Foster Farms Announces 'Don't Call Me Basic' Sandwich Contest Winner

LIVINGSTON, Calif., Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Turlock, California's Chris Lewis has won the Foster Farms "Don't Call Me Basic" turkey sandwich contest with his original "Thai Turkey" sandwich recipe. Lewis' delectable creation featuring Foster Farms All Natural Sliced Turkey, sriracha mayonnaise, tomato, avocado, lettuce, Thai peanut sauce, cilantro and red bell pepper, edged out more than 200 sandwich entries from across the country. His recipe scored Lewis the contest grand prize – his choice of a luxury weekend getaway to the Napa Valley or $4,000 cash. Lewis chose the $4,000 cash.

Foster Farms hosted the contest to find the most inventive turkey sandwich recipe and introduce its new line of premium Foster Farms All Natural Sliced Turkey lunchmeat and to show that turkey sandwiches with Foster Farms All Natural Sliced Turkey are "anything but basic." The contest was timed to coincide with National Sandwich Month in August.

It was a tight race between Lewis and four other finalists whose recipes were judged by five food and lifestyle bloggers. Finalists included: Jennifer Daskevich (Los Angeles) and her Mediterranean Inspired Turkey Sandwich; Lidia Haddadian (Los Angeles) and her Tangy Smokehouse Turkey Sandwich; Monica King (Vancouver, Wash.) and her Turkey, Apricot and Thyme Goat Cheese on Toasted Ciabatta; and Susie Reedy (Oregon) and her Foster Farms All-Natural Turkey Bánh Mì.

Sandwich entries were evaluated by a panel of culinary and food industry professionals on the basis of sandwich appearance, appeal, simplicity/ease of preparation and originality. The five finalist recipes were judged by food and lifestyle bloggers Kim Demmon (Today's Creative Life), Amy Flanigan (Very Culinary), Charlene Haugsven (My Frugal Adventures), Jen Nikolaus (Yummy Healthy Easy) and Brittany Shaw (A Spark of Creativity).

Blogger judge Kim Demmon of Today's Creative Life said, "This sandwich is heaven on earth! The perfect blend of my favorite cuisine with the traditional turkey sandwich makes this sandwich a welcome surprise. The peanut sauce drizzled on the turkey with the unexpected zing of sriracha mayo only adds more depth."

"We received many impressive sandwich entries as part of the 'Don't Call Me Basic' sandwich contest and we commend all participants for their creativity," said TJ Johnson, director of marketing for Foster Farms turkey. "Chris' 'Thai Turkey' sandwich stood out for its use of original ingredients, creativity and appeal, truly demonstrating that sandwiches made with Foster Farms All Natural Sliced Turkey are not your basic 'wich."

Foster Farms' new All Natural Sliced Turkey lunchmeat is available in two varieties, Slow Oven Roasted Turkey Breast and Honey Roasted & Smoked Turkey Breast. Both are free of nitrates and nitrites and are 98 percent fat-free. Simply roasted, sliced and packaged, the new line of premium turkey lunchmeat is made with 100 percent turkey breast and contains no chemicals, preservatives, artificial ingredients or colors. The Slow Oven Roasted Turkey Breast has 35 percent less sodium than the average sliced turkey breast.¹ The product is available at Safeway, Vons, Raley's and select Albertsons throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. For more information about Foster Farms All Natural Sliced Turkey, including nutritionals and money-saving coupons, visit www.thebestturkey.com.

About Foster Farms
Since 1939, West Coast families have depended on Foster Farms for premium quality, locally grown poultry products. Family-owned and operated, the company continues its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality established by its founders, Max and Verda Foster. Foster Farms specializes in fresh, all-natural chicken and turkey products free of preservatives, additives or injected sodium enhancers. Based in California's Central Valley, Foster Farms operates ranches throughout California and works with more than 32 family farms in the Pacific Northwest. Foster Farms is the leading producer of organic and antibiotic-free poultry on the West Coast. The company also produces delicious pre-marinated, ready-to-cook and fully cooked products that meet the quality and convenience needs of today's home cooks, retailers, warehouse clubs and foodservice customers.

¹ Based on USDA Data for Sliced Turkey Breast http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/1666?manu=&fgcd

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SOURCE Foster Farms