Prize-winning SC cook dishes up whimsical fare

Tag : potato, sweet potato

But she isn't taking herself or the cooking contests too seriouslyas she prepares for her next venture _ a garlic cookoff in Gilroy,Calif.

"I'd say don't be afraid to try different things and put differentthings together," said McMenamin, who hopes to wow the judges witha stuffed quail recipe. "What's the worst thing that could happen?You throw it out and order pizza."
It's that attitude that has folks in the world of competitivecooking talking about the newcomer from the South.
"Being a consistent winner gets people's attention and that is whatCandy has done and why her name is recognized," said Roxanne Chan,a 64-year-old from California who has won more than 740 prizes in24 years of competitive cooking. "Also when actual cook-offs areinvolved, her friendly personality and enthusiastic spirit make herstand out." Onju Sturlaugson, contest manager for the venerable PillsburyBake-off, said some competitors relish creating an original recipe,while others bask in praise about great cooking.

"They all have a passion for being creative in the kitchen, andthey are all excited about the possibility of winning a big prize,"she said. "There are many opportunities for today's home cooks toshare their passion for food and be rewarded, whether it's viachallenges on food TV channels, a state fair contest or evenonline."
 
This year, McMenamin's triumphs include first prize in a WholesomeSweeteners contest for her Amazing Apricot Cookies and top honorsin the side dish contest at a North Carolina sweet potato showdownfor her rosemary-roasted sweet potatoes with charred lime drizzle.
 
Her unexpected approach to recipes helps her stand out in a fieldof hundreds, said contest officials. In her first cooking contest,she was a finalist for the $1 million Pillsbury Bake-off with herApple-Stuffing Mini Meat Loaves. Or take the simplicity of her sweet potato encrusted chicken.