Saturday deadline for Mac-n-Cheese Bowl entries

Mac-n-Cheese cook entry deadline near

The deadline is Saturday for applications from home cooks who wish to be considered for inclusion in the 11th annual timesunion.com/Table Hopping Mac-n-Cheese Bowl, being held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Marcelle Athletic Complex at Siena College in Loudonville.

Email recipes to sbarnes@timesunion.com.

Local food-savvy judges will rate mac-n-cheese from 30 participating restaurants, and attendees also will have a chance to vote for people's-choice awards. In addition, up to 10 reader-finalists will be invited to bring their version of mac-n-cheese to compete for awards from the judges in categories for kids (and 8 to 13) and adults (14 and older). (Health code prohibits allowing home cooks to feed the public at such an event.) Allegra Edelman of Colonie, who won the adult amateur category two years in a row, will be invited back as a judge but will not compete.

To be considered as a home cook or kid cook, submit your best/favorite/signature mac-n-cheese recipe along with a short narrative about why the recipe is special. Be as adventurous or traditional as you like; the only required ingredients are pasta and cheese. We'd prefer the recipes be original, or at least a tweaking/personalization of a published recipe. Finalists will receive two passes to the Mac-n-Cheese Bowl; the winners get a prize or gift card, a trophy and will have their recipes printed in the Times Union. Home-cook submissions will be accepted through the end of February.

Priced at $20 ($5 kids), tickets may be purchased at all Price Chopper/Market 32 locations. Featuring variations on macaroni and cheese from 30 area restaurants and drinks seven local breweries (beverage samples cost extra), the Mac-n-Cheese Bowl in 10 years has raised more than...