The countdown continues as recipes pile up for the DAILYLEADER’s 24th Annual Wooden Spoon Cookbook Contest.

Over $700 in cash will be given away in the contest. In additionto cash prizes, over 30 local merchants have donated prizes to begiven away during an awards ceremony when the contest ends. Thedeadline for submitting entries is Monday, June 11.

“There is no better time than the present to get those favoriterecipes in. With individual category prizes of $50 each and a grandprize of $300, one person could have a chance to walk away with allthe cash,” said Cassandra Johnson, Lifestyle Editor. “However, itnormally doesn’t turn out like that. The prize money and doorprizes from area merchants are typically divided among some of thebest cooks in this area.”

Participants can choose to enter any one or all of sevencategories this year. Categories include: Appetizers; Soups, Salad,Fruits; Main Dish; Vegetables; Desserts and Sweets; Bread and Rollsand ‘For Your Health.’

In its second year in the contest is a new ‘Kids Kuisine’category for children ages 16 and under. This category was added toshowcase the culinary creations of youth in the area. Fromappetizers to desserts, youths are allowed to submit up to sevenentries in each section — one in each category from Appetizers toMain Dish to Breads and Rolls.

“This is an opportunity for all those children who are out forsummer vacation to earn a little extra money,” said Johnson. “Thewinning entry in the category is also eligible to compete againsttop cooks for a chance at the grand prize. Who knows — a youngstercould win? Nothing is impossible, and it’s certainly worth theeffort of entering.”

Rules in the Kids Kuisine Category are the same as for otherentrants. However, contestants must be 16 and under. They can havehelp writing the recipe but minimal supervision with preparing thedish (if chosen as a finalist). Youths are asked to specify thatthey are entering the Kids Kuisine Category when submitting theirrecipes and entry forms.

The Wooden Spoon contest begins with readers submitting recipesto The DAILY LEADER to be examined by a panel of judges. Therecipes are then narrowed in each category and finalists arenotified to prepare their dish for a tasting. Following thetasting, category winners and a grand prize winner are chosen.

The contest is open to everyone in The DAILY LEADER/SOUTHWESTSHOPPING BAG circulation area, except for employees of The DAILYLEADER and their immediate families.

The maximum number of recipes accepted in the contest is 250, sothe earlier you get your recipes in, the better chance you have ofbeing included in the 24th annual edition.

The winner will be announced at a reception on Thursday, June21, and cookbooks will hit the stands on Friday, June 22. Allrecipes entered in the contest (up to the maximum 250) will beincluded in the cookbook.

Rules for the contest include:

* Recipe must be typed or legibly written on one side of an 81/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper (no index cards).

* In case of duplicate entries, the entry with the earliestpostmark or date of receipt will be considered.

* List ingredients first, then the method of combining. Includethe amount or number of servings. Avoid using brand nameproducts.

* Each recipe must be accompanied by the coupon or a photo copyof the coupon.

* Late, illegible or incomplete entries will bedisqualified.

Each finalist will be notified and required to prepare his/herdish on a specific day and time.