Cookoff: Recipe Fever in America is an anecdotal and entertaining look at the amazingly extensive subculture of cooking contests in America. Such contests range in importance from Spam contests at county fairs to the granddaddy of them all, the Pillsbury Bake-Off in San Francisco, where the grand prize is a cool million. In between are contests local and national, sponsored by agricultural groups, corporations, and neighborhoods. Competing in these contests are not only casual entrants, but “contesters”—mostly women—for whom the recipe contest is a way of life. Journalist Amy Sutherland follows a small group of such contesters through a year on the contest circuit, beginning with the National Chicken Cook-off and culminating in the Pillsbury Bake-Off. Along the way, we’ll be introduced to well-known cook-off luminaries as well as to some of the most bizarre cooks, and the recipes concocted for their national contests.

More Than the Chili's Heating Up Cadillac, Texas Carlene Lovelle, co-owner of Bless My Bloomers lingerie shop, found a pair of fancy red-silk panties in her husband's briefcase, and all hell is breaking loose. She custom-made those fancy bloomers herself—and she remembers the bimbo who bought them. If her husband had a lick of sense, he'd known there are no secrets in a town like Cadillac. Carlene's cohorts—and their mamas—plan to exact revenge on Lenny Joe where it'll hurt the most: break his ten-year winning streak at the prestigious Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off. Never before has a woman dared to compete. But the ladies of Bless My Bloomers are cooking up a storm...and it seems the whole town is taking sides in the showdown. Welcome to Cadillac, Texas, where the chili is hot, the gossip is hotter, and friends stick by each other, no matter what the challenge. Praise for The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeño Society Jubilee: "Hilarious...fast-paced...A high-spirited, romantic page-turner."—Kirkus "Humor and down-home charm make this a first-place prize winner."—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars "In this laugh-out-loud read, bestselling Brown takes her expertise in writing top-notch cowboy romance novels to stir things up...among four female friends."—Booklist "Heartwarming and fun...Brown's story reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe."—Long and Short Reviews

This cookbook is a companion to the public television series, 'Cookoff-America', a series dedicated to culinary celebrations all over the nation. Over 24 festivals are represented, celebrating everything from eggplant and heirloom tomatoes to watermelon and coffee. From towns of 600 people to cities of millions, the cookbook reflects tremendous spirit and pride-and, of course, lots of great food.

Get a taste of justice in the first mystery in national bestselling author Kylie Logan’s Chili Cook-Off series! Romance is supposed to be the spice of life. But Maxie Pierce is so done with bad relationships—well, almost. She just has to get rid of the latest loser, Roberto. Besides, she has more important things to worry about. Her daddy, Texas Jack Pierce, king of the chili cook-off circuit, has been missing for nearly six weeks now. In his place, she must team up with her irritating half sister, Sylvia, to promote the family business at the Taos Chili Showdown, to be judged by celebrity chef Carter Donnelly. But when Maxie discovers Roberto’s body in the chef’s trailer—only hours after publicly breaking up with him while wearing a giant red chili pepper costume—she suddenly finds she’s the one in the spotlight as the police pepper her with questions. Now this Chili Chick needs to kick up the search to catch the real killer and get back to finding her father... INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES!

"Food Fest! Your Complete Guide to Florida's Food Festivals" is the first book to provide Florida residents and visitors with a comprehensive guide to the state's year-round cornucopia of food celebrations. Food festivals, cook-offs, and "Taste Of" events are described and listed with the event's activities, date, location, and contact information. Regional maps and festival directories (by month and region) help plan weekend getaways or spontaneous day trips. Bonus recipes are also included. "Food Fest!" is for every Florida resident and visitor who enjoys travel, outdoor activities, or good food. Readers will discover--unique and exciting food festivals; rare events and competitions; fun, kid-friendly activities; low-cost ideas for entertaining guests; and tips and suggestions for making the most of the festival experience. The companion Web site, www.FoodFestGuide.com, offers many additional features that complement the book's information.

Discover the history, nutritional, and medicinal properties of this landscape arch villain as you learn to pick, prepare, and savor every part of the dandelion. Includes seventy-five ways to prepare dandelions.