Cookoff finalists -- that's Kosher

The Manischewitz Company announces the six (6) finalists chosen to compete in the Third Annual Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off on February 13th at the New York Marriott Marquis. The six finalists were selected from among thousands of entries nationwide to compete LIVE for the chance to win the $25,000 grand prize package including GE Profile Kitchen appliances, cash and more. Mayor Bloomberg has proclaimed Feb. 13 as “Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off Day” in New York City.

Out of the thousands of entries received, the top recipes were selected, tested and chosen by an expert panel of judges which included Sarah Lasry, cookbook author and restaurant owner. Ms. Lasry has written The Dairy Gourmet and owns and operates Tastebuds Café in Howell, NJ. The finalists’ recipes were judged on the following criteria: taste, 50%; ease of preparation, 25%; creativity and originality, 25%.

*The six finalists are:

Erin Eugustou from Brooklyn, NY with her recipe Ruby Red Risotto with Pistachio-Basil Pesto, Garlic-Herb Goat Cheese
Myra Smolev from New York, NY with her recipe Sloppy Moses
Shana Schuman from Chicago, IL with her recipe Meaty Manischtroni
Deborah Leebove from Denver, CO with her recipe Mani Meatloaves
Elise Lalor from Issaquah, WA with her recipe Laced Lamb with Figs
Amy Siegel from Clifton, NJ with her recipe Marvelous Mediterranean Falafel Sliders

The Grand Prize Winner will be selected on site by a panel of prestigious food experts including Todd Coleman, Food Editor, Saveur magazine; Emily Kaiser, Food Associate Editor, Food & Wine magazine; Michael Park, Epicurious.com; Armando Monterroso, Executive Chef, Marriott Marquis; and Joy Devor of Rockaway, NY the winner of the 2008 Simply Manischewitz Cook-off.

Cooking with Kosher products and making ethnic creations based on Jewish Heritage is fast becoming one of today’s hottest food trends. According the foremost authority on Kosher Foods, Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz, “The Kosher consumer base is getting younger and stronger and now crosses all ethnic backgrounds.” Finalists selected for the Simply Manischewitz Cook-off include both Kosher and non-Kosher consumers.

“We are extremely excited to announce the six finalists in the Third Annual Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off,” said David Rossi, Vice President of Marketing for the Manischewitz Company. “With the wide range of Manischewitz products and our rich 120 year history, the Manischewitz brands are quickly becoming more of a staple among both mainstream and Kosher consumers. We are finding that many people choose Manischewitz products because of their superior quality, convenience, diversity and taste.”

All ingredients in the competition must be certified kosher and the competition will be overseen by Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz. Rabbi Horowitz represents the OU as Rabbi in charge of Rabbinic supervision for all Manischewitz Company brands.