1:13 p.m., Nov. 13, 2009----With a sweet, meaty white flesh, rockfish is a great choice for a healthy meal. All chefs between the ages of 7 and 17 with a recipe that includes this delicious fish are encouraged to enter the Junior Chefs Rockfish Cook-Off, which will be held during the East Coast Junior Watermen's Program on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at the Ocean City (Md.) Convention Center.

THIS STORY

E-mail

Print

Twitter

The cook-off will feature five finalists in each of two age groups, 7-12 and 13-17. The finalists will compete for cash prizes -- $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 third place -- and plaques. All finalists will receive rockfish pins, aprons, and certificates.

All entries, which should be original entrées or main dishes, are due by Friday, Dec. 18. Finalists will be notified by Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010.

Four judges will evaluate entries on originality, predominance of rockfish, taste, and texture, said Doris Hicks, seafood specialist for the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, one of the event sponsors. The purpose of the event, she explained, is to help kids to learn to select and properly prepare healthy foods.

On the day of the contest, each finalist will receive two pounds of rockfish fillets to use. All other ingredients, cooking appliances, and utensils are the contestants' responsibility.

Other sponsors of the cook-off include the University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program and the Maryland Seafood Marketing Program.

The Junior Watermen's Program is an interactive, hands-on event in which children get to learn about marine wildlife.

Parental permission and supervision must be provided. For official rules and regulations, as well as an entry form, visit the Delaware Sea Grant rockfish contest site or e-mail Hicks at [dhicks@udel.edu].

Photo by Lisa Tossey