Whether you’re a pinch-of-this, pinch-of-that old-fashioned cook or a gourmet wannabe, you may want to submit your favorite recipe to the McDowell County Cook Off. The deadline for submissions is July 3.
Sponsored by the McDowell County WVU Extension Office, the Cook-off provides a number of categories in both the youth and adult divisions. The categories are: desserts, breads, main dishes, regional cuisine and dieters’ delight. The cook-off for the top 10 in each category will be held in August, says WVU Extension Agent Donald Reed.
Besides the satisfaction that comes from sharing your culinary skills with the world, the winners in each category will receive a $25, $15 or $10 gift card. The grand prizewinner will receive a beautiful new curio cabinet from Best’s Furniture, Welch.
There is no charge to enter the contest and all recipes will be published in a cookbook, which will be given away free to local residents, Reed said.
Recipes should include the contestants name, address and phone number and should be neatly written or typed. The recipes should be submitted to the WVU Extension Cook Off/ P.O. Box 860/ Welch, WV 24801.
“We anticipate that a lot of people will enter the contest,” Reed said. “It’s a great way to share a favorite recipe and to win a prize.”
For additional information, Reed may be reached at 436-2872.

THE GRAND PRIZE - WVU Extension Agent Donald Reed (right) and Manager Harry Watts are picture displaying his beautiful new curio cabinet from Best’s Furniture, which is the grand prize in the McDowell County Cook -Off. Contestants are needed, and the deadline to enter is July 3. (Photo by Cathy Patton)