Northern Maine Fair looking for cooks

    The 2009 Northern Maine Fair will soon be in Aroostook County and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Potato Board will again be sponsoring the “Potatoes For The Health Of It” potato cooking contest on Saturday, August 1, at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. Entering the contest is simple.
    Entrants will prepare a recipe using the Maine potato as a primary ingredient in a “heart-healthy” recipe, type or neatly print the recipe on a recipe card or piece of paper and be at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds in Presque Isle between noon and 1p.m.
    Judging of entries will begin promptly at 1 p.m. with winners being announced following the judge’s decision.
    Participants may enter their recipe in any of six categories:  soups, salads, breads, casseroles, desserts and miscellaneous and may enter any or all categories – only one entry per category please.
    The contest is open to all residents of Aroostook County. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places in each of the 6 categories and a Best of Show prize of $100 will also be awarded.
    Recipes must contain no more than 30 percent fat and no more than 140 mg. sodium per serving. Recipes must feature Maine potatoes and use ingredients that are readily available.
    Information on altering recipes to reduce fat and sodium is available at the Cooperative Extension office in Houlton, Fort Kent, and Presque Isle.
    For a complete copy of the rules and registration form, contact the Cooperative Extension office at 1-800-287-1421, or write to: 22 Hall Street, Suite 101, Fort Kent, ME 04743.