South Dakota to Host National Beef Cook-Off®

PIERRE—(January 10, 2005)  South Dakotans are gearing up to host the 26th National Beef Cook-Off®, considered one of the three premier cooking contests in the country. On September 19-21, cooking contestants from across the country will travel to Rapid City to vie for the thousands of dollars in prize money and showcase beef recipes to the world.

“We’re very excited about having the National Beef Cook-Off come to South Dakota ,” says Nancy Stirling Neuhauser, co-chair of the South Dakota Host State Steering Committee. “It’s an honor to have our state chosen and an excellent way to showcase not only beef, but our state as well. We also encourage South Dakota cooks to get involved and submit their unique beef recipes.” The Cook-Off is funded in part by America ’s beef producers through their $1-per-head checkoff.

America ’s premier beef-cooking contest for family chefs, the Beef Cook-Off is considered a major player in cooking contests. Twenty national finalists will compete for the “Best of Beef” grand prize worth $50,000 in cash and eight other cash prizes for a total $110,000 in prize money. Cooks from across the country began submitting their recipes January 1. The entry deadline is Mar. 30, 2005.

To prepare for the national event, a group of South Dakota volunteers are working closely with a committee and staff from the American National CattleWomen, Inc. The Cook-Off will be held at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Rapid City . In addition to the actual cooking contest, the Cook-Off includes a welcome event at Mount Rushmore and a beef producer and consumer information event at the Snyder Family Ranch near Sturgis.           

This year’s Cook-Off is focusing on the passion Americans have for beef. Contestants will be able to enter in four categories:

·         Family Favorites—a new category this year showcases original beef recipes that families enjoy during the week or for special occasions.

·         Beef Market Basket—any of a list of beef cuts, up to five market basket ingredients, and no more than two “wild card” ingredients to make a main dish recipe.

·         Grilled Beef—a main dish recipe including eight ingredients or less.

·         Inspired by Beef—original creative beef recipe adapted from a family member or friend, a specific restaurant dish or a cookbook or culinary publication.

Contest rules and information are available by visiting www.beefcookoff.org.

            South Dakotans are not new to the National Beef Cook-Off experience. Several contestants have participated throughout its history. The state also hosted the national contest in 1981 in Sioux Falls .

            In addition to Neuhauser, other members of the South Dakota steering committee include: co-chair Karla Pazour, Pukwana; Diane Booth, Ridgeview; Becky Walth, Glenham; Pat Blum, Reliance; and Helen Magnusson, Rapid City .

            On behalf of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Federation of State Beef Councils, the American National CattleWomen, Inc. are partnering with Albertsons® to promote the Cook-Off.