I had a great time in Portland Maine over the weekend! I attended the Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off with my friend Jane from Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms blog and I wanted to share a bit of the experience.
All of the Cook-Off contestants made recipes that included at least one Hood dairy product. The Cook-Off consisted of five rounds, one for each dish category. The semi-finalists started the event bright and early at 7:30 a.m. Jane and I arrived in time to catch rounds 4 (lunch/dinner) and round 5 (dessert). We returned later in the day for the final round where each of the five winning semi-finalists competed for the $10,000 prize.
I did get an opportunity to meet Sybil and her husband who won the overnight stay at the Portland Regency Hotel and tickets to the event. (Sybil it was great to meet you and your husband!)
Here is a short video and some photos of the day’s events.
Portland Regency Hotel, Portland, Maine
Nice hotel accommodations at the Portland Regency Hotel
View outside of the Ocean Gateway Terminal, location of the Cook-Off
Jane and I met Celebrity Chef Tom Pizzica star of the Food Network Show Outrageous Food. He was one of the five Cook-Off judges
Semi-finalist Jessie Grearson won in the Lunch/Dinner Category and came in second place overall
She comments on her recipe - "Tandoori Express Chicken Naanwiches with Sour Cream Raita and Buttermilk Mango Lassi"
A group shot of the semifinalists in the Lunch/Dinner Category
Semi-finalist and winner in the dessert category Marie Connor for her recipe "Mystic Magic Chocolate Tart." Marie was the youngest contestant ever at 19. Her recipe was delicious! Good job Marie!!
Group shot of the semi-finalists in the dessert category
The final round! Marie faces the judges as they taste her "Mystic Magic Chocolate Tart"
The $10,000 winner Dan Rinaldi talks to Emcee Billy Costa as the judges try his recipe for "Surf and Turf Sliders with Maine Lobster Sauce"
Semi-finalists in the appetizers/side dish category
The $10,000 Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off winner, fireman Dan Rinaldi! Woo-Hoo!
The Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off will air on December 19, 2011 on NECN.
Many thanks to Carly and the folks at Hood for the ticket to the event.
Disclosure – Hood provided me with a free ticket and one night stay in Portland. I was not compensated for this post. Opinions of my experience at the Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off are my own.
Similar Posts:
- Hood New England Dairy Cookoff Tickets & One Night’s Hotel Stay Winner
- The Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off this Sunday Nov. 6th
- Hood New England Dairy Cookoff Tickets & One Night’s Stay at Portland Regency Hotel Giveaway 9/12
- Real Simple App. – No Time to Cook Winners
- Carmex Lip Balm and Blanket Winner
That’s really cool!!! I’ve never heard of Hood before though.
Great recap Kristi! It was great sharing this experience with you!
I can’t wait to watch the show!
Wow, what a cool experience! I follow Jane too so I look forward to reading about your experiences
This was my first Cook-Off. It was a real treat to taste some of those delicious recipes! Glad we were able to make the trip together Jane!
I’ve always wanted to go to a cook-off! What a great post and wonderful pictures. Sounds like a great experience!
What great photos and a lovely hotel. Seems like a really fun time and the winner is very lucky! The food looks and sounds fabulous! I would have enjoyed this day also.
I’ve never been to a cook-off before! I’ve heard of chili cook-offs but had no idea they had dairy ones.
Dina recently posted..Online Is My Favorite Place to Shop
sounds like so much fun! thanks for sharing!