LEESBURG, IN (February 6, 2012) -- Maple Leaf Farms is calling for entries for The 2012 Discover DuckTM Chef and Culinary Student Recipe Contest starting March 1, 2012, through June 8, 2012. Open to professional chefs and culinary students, the contest challenges entrants to create up to three original recipes for appetizers or small plates that showcase duck in creative ways. Professional and culinary student chef recipes will be judged in separate categories, each with their own cash prizes.
“Duck is the perfect protein to inspire artistic recipes,” said Maple Leaf Farms Director of Duck Marketing Cindy Turk. “This contest rewards chefs and culinary students for their culinary creativity. We look forward to receiving inspired recipes for small plates showcasing duck as the centerpiece.”
All recipe entries must include a Maple Leaf Farms duck product. The recipes will be judged according to originality, flavor, simplicity (easily sourced ingredients and ease of preparation) and accuracy of the recipe ingredients and method.
Entrants will compete for a total of $13,500 in cash prizes. Professional chefs will vie for a $5,000 Grand prize, $3,000 second prize and $1,500 third prize. The top two student chefs will win $2,500 and $1,500, respectively.
The contest is open to U.S. residents, 18 years old or older. Entrants must be one of the following: professional chef, sous chef or lead line cook in a restaurant or non-commercial foodservice establishment, or a student currently enrolled at a professional culinary school.
Complete contest rules and entry details are available online at http://www.mapleleaffarms.com/
About Maple Leaf Farms:
Maple Leaf Farms, Inc. is America's leading producer of quality duck products, supplying retail and foodservice markets throughout the world with innovative, value-added foods. Founded in 1958, Maple Leaf Farms is a third generation family-owned company. For more information, contact Maple Leaf Farms at 1-800-348-2812 or visit http://www.mapleleaffarms.com.