National Oyster Cook-Off Seeks Contestants

Deadline is August 31

Leonardtown, Md. (July 31, 2012) ─ Flambéed in white wine, sautéed in lemon butter, chargrilled with mango chutney ─ Chefs of all skill levels are invited to test their original oyster recipe against the best, in the 33rd National Oyster Cook-off!

A panel of food experts will choose nine of the most creative and mouthwatering recipes to take part in the oyster cook-off on Saturday, October 20 at the 45th Annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival in Leonardtown. Three chefs will compete in each category ─ hors d’oeuvres, soup/stew, and main dish.

The top recipe from each category will receive a cash prize, ranging from $150 to $300. Out of the top three contestants, a Grand Prize winner will then be chosen, and awarded an additional $1000 and an engraved silver tray along with the bragging rights that come with a national title. The Peoples’ Choice and Best Presentation winners will also receive honors.

All nine contestants will enjoy a night’s stay in the Lexington Park Hampton Inn and receive an invitation to the Oyster Festival opening reception.

The Oyster Festival, including the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship and the National Oyster Cook-off is organized by the Rotary Club of Lexington Park. The Oyster Cook-off is supported by the Maryland Department of Natural of Natural Resources Seafood Marketing Program, the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic and Community Development and the Rotary Club.

Participants must email their recipes to Kelly Barnes at kbarnes@dnr.state.md.us by August 31, 2012 to enter.

More information on the 2012 Oyster Festival is available at http://usoysterfest.com/.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov