Tuesday, September 16, 2008

... and, just the best sandwich

Mezzetta Specialty Foods Crowns Winner of

An Anniston woman has taken a top prize in the America's Best Sandwich contest, sponsored by Mezzetta.

Francis Garland of Anniston won the Hero Sandwich category, naming her creation The New Dagwood with a JalapeƱo Twist

America's top producer of specialty olives, peppers and other gourmet ingredients announced today that Edwina Gadsby of Great Falls, Mon., won the Grand Prize is $25,000 and a trip for two to Napa Valley.

This is the first year Mezzetta, a family-owned food company founded in 1935, has sponsored a national recipe contest.

“We had over two thousand entries and each of the finalist recipes was phenomenal. But I am pleased that this sandwich won the top prize,” said Jeff Mezzetta, owner and President. “Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, and we loved the Spanish flavors and the way Edwina incorporated Mezzetta red bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes in her recipe.”

Gadsby, no stranger to the world of recipe contests, was nonetheless stunned when she found out she had won Grand Prize. She had been intrigued been the idea of creating a prize-winning sandwich, and spent hours in the kitchen testing her ideas.

“Gourmet sandwiches are comfort food at its best. Unlike so many other “gourmet” meals there is no intimidation factor when it comes to sandwiches. The only limit to the combinations you can come up with is your imagination.” Gadsby observed.

The Make That Sandwich contest accepts entries in four categories: Hot, Cold, Vegetarian and Hero. Gadsby entered her sandwich in the Hot sandwich category. Finalists in the other three categories each received $1,000.

They are:
Brenda Cole
Reisterstown, Maryland
Cold SandwichSalmon & Arugula Tailgater

Erin Evenson
Brooklyn, New York
Vegetarian Sandwich
La Maison de Mezzetta Moroccan Melts with Minted Harissa Mayonnaise



Mezzetta plans to bring back the contest next year. Entries for Make That Sandwich 2009 will be accepted beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day 2009. For complete winning recipes, interviews with the winners and more information on the world of sandwiches, visit www.makethatsandwich.com

0 comments: