Calling all good cooks

Creative cooks of the Valley have a chance to shine at the Canfield Fair this year. Two recipe contests, one for Malt-O-Meal and one for Hidden Valley Dressings, will put kitchen skills to the test.

One challenge is to feature any kind of Malt-O-Meal cold cereal in a recipe: desserts, snacks, main dishes — all types of entries are welcome.

Register with the fair for “Make It with Malt-O-Meal” and deliver the entry with a matching recipe for on-site winner selections. The judging criteria are taste, 35 percent; creativity, 35 percent; and convenience of the recipe, 30 percent. Limit one entry per person.

First place wins a $100 award; second place wins $50, and third place wins $25 worth of cereal. The top three finishers will earn gift packages valued at up to $175.

Hidden Valley Dressings welcomes home-cooked foods in its “Fresh Taste for the Family” recipe contest. The goal is for everyday cooks to feature fresh ingredients that inspire a dish that is fast to make and includes the flavor of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix.

Any entr e, appetizer or side dish is welcome and should include wholesome ingredients and traditions that bring families together.

The judges will rate entries on fresh factor, 25 percent; taste, 40 percent; all-family appeal, 20 percent; and ease of preparation, 15 percent.

All 2008 first-place winning entries are forwarded for grand prize judging. The $1,000 national winner will be selected in early 2009. Second place wins $100; third place wins $50, and all three winners will receive souvenirs.

To enter the Hidden Valley contest, cooks must be 18 or older and register with the fair. Entries will be judged at the fairgrounds.

For details on the “Make It with Malt-O-Meal” and “Fresh Taste for the Family” contests and complete entry guidelines, call the Canfield Fair entry office at (330) 533-4107 or visit the contest section of www.canfieldfair.com.