Let the Pecans roll: Cook-off allows local chefs to cook up delicious competition

Local chefs are invited to show their skills in the 2009 Pecan Festival Cook-Off.

The cook-off will be Saturday in the Irby Street parking lot of Central United Methodist Church, between Cheves and Evans streets. Participants should arrive with their dish and entry form between 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Judging will begin at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place at 12:30 p.m.

Winners will be awarded a special embroidered “Pecan Cook-Off” apron. Each entry must be prepared by the contestant from scratch using pecans.

Each entry must be prepared and presented in a sanitary manner for the safety of all involved.

Judges may disqualify any and all unsanitary entries. Prizes will be awarded once all entries have been judged.

Nick Townsend, director of food services for Carolinas Hospital System; Steven Sweda, director of dining at Francis Marion University; and Laurie Crouse, owner/chef of Top Hat Special Teas will serve as celebrity judges for the contest.

For more information, call (843) 665-2047 or visit http://www.florencedowntown.com and click on the Pecan Festival link.