Del Monte Announces Most Crown-Worthy Recipe

SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Carmell Childs of Provo, UT has been revealed as the winner of the first-ever Del Monte Crown the Cook recipe contest for her original recipe, Mandarin Tin-Can Tower Cake.

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Carmell was one of three finalists who won a trip to San Francisco, CA to compete in a cook-off event on June 22, 2012 before a panel of judges including Carolyn Jung, an award-winning food and wine writer; Alice Harding, Head Chef, Del Monte Foods; Loren Druz, Director of Product Research and Development, Del Monte Foods; and Mario DiFalco, Director of Marketing & Innovation, Del Monte Foods.

During the cook-off, Carmell's recipe competed against Loanne Chiu's Thai Nutty Corn and Kale Salad recipe and Naylet LaRochelle's Glazed Peach-Chipotle Chicken and Lima-Bean Salsa recipe. Each recipe was judged on taste, originality, creativity, and appearance. Carmell's Mandarin Tin-Can Tower Cake "towered" over the rest.

"Not only did all the finalists' recipes taste delicious, they also reflected each of their personalities," said Carolyn Jung. "We judges deliberated at length, but in the end, we had to give the grand prize to Childs for a cake that was not only beautiful and luscious, but ingenious, too."

"We want to thank everyone who entered the first-ever Del Monte Crown the Cook Contest and congratulate the three finalists who competed in the cook-off event," said David West, Chief Executive Officer, Del Monte Foods. "We were especially impressed by the diverse and creative use of Del Monte products to add flavor and variety to the dishes. Our consumers' recipes truly showcased the bright, bold flavors that are possible with canned fruits and vegetables."

"Growing up, my mom would often let me choose my own rewards, and my request was usually a trip to the grocery store for my own can of Del Monte® Mandarin Oranges," said Carmell Childs. "Now that I've been able to use them in this recipe, it feels like I've really come full circle. I'm overjoyed that the judges liked my dish and I'm honored to take home the Crown the Cook Champion title."

The Del Monte Crown the Cook recipe contest launched March 12, 2012 and accepted entries through April 22, 2012. All recipe submissions were required to be original recipes that featured a Del Monte canned product, served at least four people, and had a preparation and cook time of 90 minutes or less.

To view the finalists' recipes and for additional information visit: http://www.facebook.com/delmonte/app_355168934504558  

SOURCE Del Monte