Local Chef Named Finalist in Hood Contest

A local chef has been named one of the five semifinalists across the state in the 3rd Annual Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off.

Charlestown resident Scott Cohen has been recognized for his cognac cocoa custard and will compete for a $10,000 grand prize.

A total of 30 amateur cooks from the six New England states will participate in a head-to-head cook-off in Portland, Maine on Nov. 6. All recipes are original and include at least one Hood dairy product in the following five categories: breakfast/brunch; soups/chowders; appetizers/side dishes; lunch/dinner (entrée); and dessert.

Judges for the 2011 event include Tom Pizzica, host of “Outrageous Food” and “The Next Food Network Star.” He will join Patti Woods, an award-winning journalist and food blogger; J. Desmond Keefe III CEC, CCE, Culinary Instructor, Southern New Hampshire University; Peggy Poole, Vice President of Quality Systems & Regulatory Affairs, HP Hood; and Amy Traverso, Senior Lifestyle Editor from Yankee Magazine. Judges will select the winning dish based on taste appeal, presentation/appearance, and creativity/originality.

For more information on the contest, visit HoodCookOff.com.