EAGLE, ID, June 21, 2010 - Mt. Healthy, Ohio's own Nadine Mesch was awarded the Runner Up prize in the Idaho Potato Commission's (IPC) "Watching Waistlines & Wallets" Recipe Contest for her Cilantro, Lime Chicken and Idaho® Potatoes recipe. From savory soup to a finger-licking good appetizer to a hearty main course meal, the IPC's first online recipe contest received more than 1,450 recipe submissions from Idaho® potato lovers across the country.
Fitness guru Denise Austin and television icon, Mr. Food (aka Art Ginsburg) helped launch the online contest that challenged health-conscious and resourceful home chefs to create innovative and easy-to-prepare Idaho® potato recipes that are easy on the waistline and the wallet. Each recipe was required to use Idaho® potatoes as a main ingredient (fresh, frozen or dehydrated) and have no more than 10 ingredients. All submissions were judged on originality and taste, ease of preparation, overall healthfulness and the approximate total cost of the ingredients. The contest ran from January 25, 2010 until April 30, 2010.
"The winning recipes really showcase the excellent nutritional value, affordability and versatility of America's favorite potato, the Idaho® potato," said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. "Challenging economic times have prompted many to sharpen their cooking skills and get more creative with staples that have always been a bargain like Idaho® potatoes - a low-cost, nutrient-dense food that can be served at any meal. The winning recipes are fantastic! Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry."
Mesch's Cilantro, Lime Chicken and Idaho® Potatoes was a hands-down favorite among the judges. This delicious one-dish meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days; simply bake skinless chicken breasts drizzled with lime juice along side cubed Idaho® potatoes. Then combine low-fat cheese, salsa and freshly chopped cilantro, spoon over the chicken and potatoes, and bake a bit longer. The judges unanimously agreed that this hearty and healthy main course raises the bar for homemade dinners.
For her waistline- and wallet-friendly recipe, Mesche receives a cash prize of $1,500 and autographed copies of Denise Austin's new book, Denise's Daily Dozen, and Mr. Food's latest cookbook, Mr. Food TV Favorites.
To view all the "Watching Waistlines & Wallets" Recipe Contest's winning recipes, visit www.idahopotato.com/wwaw_contest.
About the IPC
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho®-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the "Idaho® potato" and "Grown in Idaho®" seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are puchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. For more information visit www.idahopotato.com.
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