The Colorado State Fair - 09hiddenvalley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2009
Contacts:
Chris Wiseman, General Manager, (719) 924-0151, Chris.Wiseman@ag.state.co.us
Christi Lightcap, Dir. of Communications, (303) 239-4190, Christi.Lightcap@ag.state.co.us

Harvest Your Reward in the “Fresh Taste for the Family” Recipe Contest at the 2009 Colorado State Fair

PUEBLO, Colo. – Home cooks should not miss the 2009 Hidden Valley® Fresh Taste for the Family Contest at the 2009 Colorado State Fair. The ante is upped in 2009, with the grand prize doubling from $1000 to $2000.

Using the best that farms, grocers and home gardens have to offer, create any great tasting entrée, appetizer or side dish centered on fresh food, wholesome ingredients and traditions that bring families together. Entrants must feature Hidden Valley® The Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix in their recipes.

Rewards await those who make fast, fresh and flavorful recipes that win. Entries are judged on their fresh factor (25%), taste (40%), family appeal (20%), and ease of preparation (15%).

First place is worth $200. Second and third places are worth $100 and $50 respectively. A $2000 grand prize will be awarded to one of the first place winners among the 46 fairs participating in the contest. The contest is open to U.S. residents 18 years or older, one entry per person.

The contest will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2009; registration is now open with an entry deadline of Tuesday, September 1, 2009. It costs five dollars to enter and entry forms can be found at http://www.coloradostatefair.com/index.php?page=competitive_special_contests or by calling the General Entry office at (719) 404-2080.

The 2009 Colorado State Fair runs from August 28 – September 7, 2009. For more information, visit www.coloradostatefair.com .

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Hidden Valley® Fresh Veggie Crisps
Photo available by emailing Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us

1 cup peanut oil for frying*
2 burrito size flour tortillas (10- to 11-inch)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 medium zucchini squash, seeded and chopped
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

In large frying pan heat peanut oil on medium-high heat. Fry tortillas, turning once, until browned and crisp. Place on paper towels to drain and set aside. In medium bowl whisk together cream cheese, sour cream and Ranch mix. Add the dill and mix well again. Spread the mixture evenly over fried tortillas; then sprinkle with the chopped fresh vegetables in order given. Top with parsley and enjoy. Cut in wedges to serve. Makes 16 appetizer wedges.
* For baked tortillas: brush both sides with vegetable oil, place on baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees F for 4 to 6 minutes, turning once, until crisp.

2008 Grand Prize Winning Recipe, $1000 Award
Recipe by Gloria Whiles of Phoenix, Arizona State Fair