December 2004 “Cooking Tips” Winner —
Michelle Draveski

When I thaw out meat for cooking I put it in a plastic bag. That way it doesn't leak in the fridge.

Michelle Draveski

Prize:

• Cooking tips:
  Salmon Spread Kit
  Blue Crab Bay Company

December 2004“Cooking Disasters” Winner —
Faith McClain

The very first time I had my friends over for my famous taco-chili supper, I burnt the taco-chili about an inch thick in the pot 30 minutes before they were supposed to arrive. I ravaged my cupboards and found two cans of kidney beans and a large can of tomato paste. I dumped them in a pot and tossed in a bunch of chili powder......it was awful. I jumped in my car and bought 10 servings of chili from Wendy's and then I rushed to Taco Bell and ordered up 5 beef burritos with meat only. I dumped the beef out of the burritos in the pot with kidney beans and tomato sauce and tossed the wraps. Then I dumped the Wendy's chili in the pot with the beef and stirred. It was different but edible. When I served it, I covered it with a ton of cheese and gave them taco flavored crackers. Everyone ate well and seemed to enjoy themselves. "I pulled it off!" I told myself. As my last guest was leaving, he leaned forward and whispered to me that it was very good and he'd always enjoyed eating at Wendys!

Faith McClain

Prize:

• Cooking Disasters:
  Truffle & Porcini Pasta
  Cuisine Perel

Previous Winners

Click here to see our previous "Cooking Tips" and "Cooking Disasters" contest winners!