The Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging Maryland chefs to submit their original recipes using local ingredients for the annual Governor's Buy Local Cookout. The cookout promotes a week-long, statewide Buy Local Challenge.
This year, the event will be held at the Department of Agriculture Headquarters in Annapolis on July 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Eating locally is not only better for you, it’s also an economic driver,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Supporting our farms by buying local is a tasty way to keep your dollars in Maryland; this week is a celebration of that.”
The recipe has to include 50% Maryland-sourced products with a focus on partnering with at least one Maryland farmer, waterman, or other producer. Chefs are encouraged to submit recipes that an average Maryland family can prepare at home with locally sourced food.
“Maryland’s farmers, watermen, and chefs produce an incredible bounty that is second to none,” said Governor Wes Moore. “I invite chefs from across the state to submit their most creative recipes using fresh, local ingredients as I invite all Marylanders to help strengthen the state’s economy and buy local.”
The recipes can be submitted for four different categories: Appetizer, main dish, side dish or salad, and dessert. The winning recipes will be chosen based on their simplicity, creativity, availability of ingredients, geographic representation, and use of local ingredients.
The selected winners will be invited to prepare and share their dishes at the Governor's Cookout. Recipes must be submitted using an online form by May 29.
A $200 stipend toward cost will be provided by the department. Find the complete rules for entry HERE.