Iron Foodie Contest! (PLEASE pick me!)

I received an email today regarding a cooking contest called Iron Foodie and can't wait to join! (see sidebar for more info) I have to answer the following questions in order to be considered as 1 of the lucky 25 contestants so here they are and wish me luck!


1. Why do you want to compete in this challenge?
Let's see, where do I began? I LOVE watching Iron Chef and became obsessed with the original Japanese version more than 10 years ago. I was so happy when they came out with Iron Chef America cuz the dubbing was sometimes off even though that made the show pretty funny. I also love a challenge, especially in the kitchen. I'm always trying to be creative using up ingredients I have on hand and making a yummy meal out of them. I checked out the Marx Foods website and can't wait to get my hands on their gourmet products! I'm confident every single item they offer can be made into a wonderful recipe.


2. Limitations of time/space notwithstanding, whose kitchen would you like to spend the day in & why? Julia Child, Thomas Keller, Ferran Adria, James Beard, Marie-Antoine Careme, or The Swedish Chef?
Even though my culinary skills probably won't improve, I'd definitely pick The Swedish Chef! Why? Because I grew up watching and loving The Muppet Show, then later the Muppet Babies. Even though I think The Swedish Chef's gibberish would eventually drive me crazy at the end of the day, I'm sure I'll laugh more than I've ever laughed before! He's such a sweet reminiscence of my childhood and as a bonus, maybe Kermit and Gonzo will show up!


3. What morsel are you most likely to swipe from family & friends’ plates when they aren’t looking?
It would definitely be any type of cheese and by any type, I mean ANY type! I'm a total sucker for cheese, whether it's a block of cheddar or shaved parmesan or maybe a sliver of Camembert. I like them all! In fact, I LOVE stinky cheese, the stinkier the better!


4. Sum your childhood up in one meal.
It would definitely start with Lay's Potato Chips dipped in ketchup (don't ask!), followed by a large Pepperoni Stuffed-Curst Pizza from Pizza Hut (extra Parmesan), along with a side Potato Wedges from KFC dipped in their Honey BBQ Sauce and a Pink Lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick. For dessert, DEFINITELY an Oreo Sundae from Baskin Robbins (extra whipped cream and 3 cherries)!


5. The one mainstream food you can’t stand?
Truffles (not the chocolate kind). I know they're a gourmet ingredient and many people love them but I can't stand the smell or taste. Sorry Truffle Fries, you're not getting ordered!