Cook the Book: 'Top Chef'

Lasagna primavera. It's at least won over all my friends :P

charmon at 1:18PM on 05/26/08

Chocolate Guiness Cake

ConschBTJ at 1:22PM on 05/26/08

I'm sort of famous for my brownies. I think I'd make an especially decadent version of them for a contest!

Brownie at 1:27PM on 05/26/08

Pulled pork with a sweet corn BBQ sauce! Who doesn't love themselves a little pulled pork!

izatryt at 1:31PM on 05/26/08

I guess it depends on the competition...

I hope I'd prepare the winning one ; )

Jennalynn at 1:31PM on 05/26/08

Probably something semi-traditional Korean with a twist... if that makes any sense

bobfole at 1:56PM on 05/26/08

My spaghetti carbonara always makes me (and whoever else is around) pretty happy, so I think I'd make that.

abs294 at 2:01PM on 05/26/08

Red beans and rice, either with or without meat. You give me a pressure cooker and I think I could even whip that one out in under an hour.

Yrmencyn at 2:09PM on 05/26/08

Maybe this shrimp and fennel pasta I make a lot in the summer? I also can make some amazing cupcakes.

cam00023 at 2:14PM on 05/26/08

Chipotle turkey tacos, with black beans and corn, topped with radishes, scallions, tomatoes, lettuce, and pepper jack. Surprisingly healthy and chock full of veggies.

marianne215 at 2:20PM on 05/26/08

A sweet bread pudding

zekks at 2:22PM on 05/26/08

Zekks: A pudding made from sweetbreads sounds awesome.

Chewy at 2:24PM on 05/26/08

Spaghetti with meatballs, bread sticks, salad, and grape juice. At least, that is what I am hungry for right now.

lemieuxster at 2:33PM on 05/26/08

Scrambled eggs

bessfour at 2:53PM on 05/26/08

my portuguese - style fava beans / with chourico / in spicy tomato sauce .......it's always a hit !

haagenfreak at 2:56PM on 05/26/08

Hopefully it's a baking competition! I'd make a fresh loaf of olive-rosemary bread with a side of handmade butter. Everyone loves this bread; my family has told me it's now mandatory for me to bring it to gatherings.

If not, then I've got to agree with Spike - soup is always a winner. I've make a killer cream of pumpkin and apple soup.

jenilowrance at 3:03PM on 05/26/08

If it were dessert, I'd make something combining root beer and vanilla bean flavors as a play on root beer floats--maybe a root beer souffle with vanilla bean whipped cream? Wait, maybe I just want a float right now.

KBestOliver at 3:06PM on 05/26/08

I'd make my greens pie with pomegranate molasses in a cornmeal and saffron crust - takes forever to make but is well worth the effort!

PhredYammers at 3:13PM on 05/26/08

I made baked tilapia tacos with a chipotle coleslaw and honey cumin sauce the other day that were a success. Would be able to do that one for a quickfire, for sure.

brittj8585 at 3:14PM on 05/26/08

Brisket with red wine and apricots.

masha339 at 3:19PM on 05/26/08

Braised lamb shanks

madball911 at 3:31PM on 05/26/08

I'd do a version of Citrus Marinated Salmon from the French Laundry cookbook. though ripping off Thomas Keller on TV might not be the best idea in the world.

chrisfurniss at 3:59PM on 05/26/08

BBQ pulled pork

mnsteph at 4:00PM on 05/26/08

roasted garlic stuffed fillet with polenta

palmsey at 4:00PM on 05/26/08

Awesome scrambled eggs with sauteed mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, and onions!

cochon at 4:04PM on 05/26/08

A salad with bruschetta, depending on the season.

LearP at 4:06PM on 05/26/08

a chocolate budino with cherry sauce and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

scaevola at 4:13PM on 05/26/08

sweetbreads with some fava beans and a nice chianti

onepercent99 at 4:18PM on 05/26/08

I would make an omelette with bacon, cheese, wild mushrooms and spinach.

SEFB9118 at 4:19PM on 05/26/08

Chicken cutlets with apricot jam and brie cheese wrapped in puff pastry. Yum.

rosezilla at 4:21PM on 05/26/08

probably roast chicken.. simple and delicious every time!

cdcdcd at 4:37PM on 05/26/08

biscuits and tomatoes

aeschylus at 4:39PM on 05/26/08

Either Crawfish enchiladias (sp?) or spiced-rubbed pork tenderloin with an andouille sauce

malenky at 4:53PM on 05/26/08

My garlic chicken curry pasta...

tech9803 at 4:56PM on 05/26/08

Eggplant fusilli with capers, currants and toasted pine nuts

lo82070 at 5:01PM on 05/26/08

My famous Three Cheese Chicken Kiev.

Abe1865 at 5:09PM on 05/26/08

Dahl soup and lemon bars

PeanutButter at 5:10PM on 05/26/08

I would make something appropriate for the catagory of competition. If there was a chili cook off I don't think I could get very far by making clam chowder.

kevlney at 5:15PM on 05/26/08

Asparagus frittata

codasco at 5:25PM on 05/26/08

Spicy Mexican tortilla soup with all the fixings, maybe some tacos al pastor with salsa verde

ReneeRobinson at 5:28PM on 05/26/08

Mexican! Roasted garlic guacamole and some fire roasted poblano and tomato quesadillas. Num Num

Sarajahii at 5:50PM on 05/26/08

Garlic Chicken with pasta

Delinia at 6:00PM on 05/26/08

Thick, bone-in pork chops with port-cherry reduction and roasted fingerling potatoes topped with a gorgonzola-chive compound butter.

AveryTorn at 6:19PM on 05/26/08

Scrambled eggs with goat cheese and onion, served on salt rising bread.

joeyeats at 6:19PM on 05/26/08

crabcakes

mkcunningham at 6:26PM on 05/26/08

Maybe some stuffed squash I tried recently. Flavorful beef, onion & pepper mix filling the squash of your choice (I had success with acorn & butternut squash).

Or something involving shrimp - everyone loves shrimp. :-)

graciecat at 6:37PM on 05/26/08

an upscale version of fried rice, topped with a quail egg and caviar.

winkyj at 6:44PM on 05/26/08

Upscale version of my mango and goat cheese enchiladas.

scienceandfood at 6:51PM on 05/26/08

I generally find that people love my chili and cornbread. Or perhaps make pecan pie.

wunami at 7:03PM on 05/26/08

It would have to be a pie, probably my key lime, but that one is either a tremendous success or a dismal failure. If I could find wild blueberries, I'd make my mother's blueberry pie and it would knock the judges' socks off.

engranon at 7:10PM on 05/26/08

Something really easy - I'm not much of a top chef!

PoignantTuna at 7:11PM on 05/26/08

Hm. BBQ chicken with some fancy-pants slaw.

pookywookyster at 7:15PM on 05/26/08

Guess it depends on the competition.

For cooking, kimchi noodles with greens and a poached egg on top.

For baking, cardamom cake with pistachios and honey.

And no, they don't go together.

piccola at 7:21PM on 05/26/08

eggs benedict

dubdubcity at 8:11PM on 05/26/08

A dish I call Pasta Da Stephie, a cream sauce made with Madeira, mushrooms, chicken, and penne pasta.

If I were on a Top Chef competition I'd make dessert, since few of them can make good desserts.

bobcatsteph3 at 8:21PM on 05/26/08

real tacos

anado at 8:48PM on 05/26/08

a dessert -- either a pie or sugar cookies (decorated, of course!)

bibliothecaire at 9:12PM on 05/26/08

I make killer Seafood Alfredo. I'd also have garlic bread and a nice glass of wine paired with the dish.

If it was a quickfire, totally my chili.

Butrflygirly at 9:28PM on 05/26/08

I don't know why I'd be foolish enough to end up in a cooking competition, but I guess I'd make a vegetarian chili. Or some really killer blonde brownies!

blgrimes at 9:30PM on 05/26/08

Mushroom beef barley soup.

nightmoon at 9:40PM on 05/26/08

garlic shrimp

maialisa at 9:49PM on 05/26/08

Definitely depends on the challenge and the available ingredients...I would probably lean towards a re-interpretation of a "classic" dish like beef bourgonoine....

jenberger at 10:20PM on 05/26/08

Definitely depends on the challenge and the available ingredients...I would probably lean towards a re-interpretation of a "classic" dish like beef bourgonoine....

jenberger at 10:20PM on 05/26/08

Of course, it depends on a type of the competition, but I'd probably make either a shrimp dish (like, shrimp, sausage and pineapple skewers, or brown rice, shrimp and asparagus salad), or some kind of a quiche.

brooke29 at 10:38PM on 05/26/08

Olive oil poached salmon steak with spicy olive salad and roasted corn in the husk

Oenonome at 10:41PM on 05/26/08

Chawanmushi would probably be my entry. :)

Cassaendra at 10:45PM on 05/26/08

i wonder if i'd have enough time to make some homemade dumplings

riceandwheat at 10:51PM on 05/26/08

I'd bake chocolate chip cookies. If they can help you sell your house, maybe they can help you win the bake-off contest.

Boscompb at 11:22PM on 05/26/08

I would definitely bake something, probably some bittersweet chocolate, hazelnut and toffee cookies. YUM.

lfirebrand at 11:30PM on 05/26/08

I'd have to go dessert - I always bake pies for group gatherings.

pacgirl44 at 12:28AM on 05/27/08

I would make grilled stuffed squid. It's a little bit different, but really tasty.

rffoodie at 12:46AM on 05/27/08

Nutella and banana "calzone"

jymbrittain at 7:23AM on 05/27/08

My DEEP dish lasagna w/ homemade meat sauce, 6 types of cheese, and grilled balsamic portabella's

or my boursin and green onion smashed potatoes

Erinay77 at 7:34AM on 05/27/08

Double Chocolate Walnut Biscotti

Jane M at 8:05AM on 05/27/08

Chinese food, as it's what I do best - I do make a mean hot & sour soup!

mrsbao at 8:11AM on 05/27/08

Simple Fried Rice always wins the hearts of my friends.

victorylow at 8:25AM on 05/27/08

Chicken and dumplings. Yum!

DuncanHusky at 9:06AM on 05/27/08

A really, REALLY good pizza.

Truculence at 9:22AM on 05/27/08

Something with Bacon... Bacon never loses.

jtennantwise at 9:31AM on 05/27/08

I'd make a chocolate mousse.......so good!

laur_uic at 9:34AM on 05/27/08

Shrimp scampi with linguine

Laura78 at 10:05AM on 05/27/08

Roasted Ratatouille or Lentil Salad with Roasted Peppers and Goat Cheese

gorzd at 10:22AM on 05/27/08

I guess I would have to stick to something I know that I can do. Maybe corn pudding or some form of pie.

feep at 10:27AM on 05/27/08

No idea. This would require days and days of thought. Off the top of my head, I'd go with something Cuban - maybe my roast pork shoulder with guava and sour oranges. No one every makes Cuban food on Top Chef. Or maybe the most perfect and succulent Cuban sandwich...

bitchincamero at 10:30AM on 05/27/08

Baked stuffed potatoes with lobster, gruyere and roasted garlic and a simple green salad.

Amandarama at 10:31AM on 05/27/08

Risotto Primavera with fresh walnut pesto and shaved parmesan. It's my signature dish, and there's a few secret (read: unusual) ingredients that make it yummy. It's simple and delcious--nothing moleculary gastronomical about it though :)

sweethunibabi at 10:40AM on 05/27/08

lemon pudding cake

hedgehog at 10:47AM on 05/27/08

I would make BBQ beef

vmkids at 10:53AM on 05/27/08

I'm a baker, so I would win by making the best wedding cake they've ever seen!

linda at 11:10AM on 05/27/08

I would make homemade Manhattan-style clam chowder made with local clams and veggies from my garden. Thanks for the giveaway!

mistyriver at 11:11AM on 05/27/08

Beef and bean chili. It's traditional chili-style, but man, is it good.

Widget at 11:15AM on 05/27/08

corn dogs

salty at 11:35AM on 05/27/08

I think about this often when I watch Top Chef and the answer is always "I have no idea how they come up with stuff so quickly." I plan meals a week in advance, not on two seconds notice! But, since I've got the luxury of time now: rosemary pound cake would knock 'em dead.

Fiksu at 11:35AM on 05/27/08

Probably chocolate fondant - simple yet amazing.

Jekyl at 11:39AM on 05/27/08

I would probably take some pork loin chops and marinate them for two days in white wine with some salt and pepper. Then I would just sear it in a pain and put it under the broiler for a little bit.

Something simple that taste good

EricL at 11:44AM on 05/27/08

I would likely prepare something along the lines of a curried pot pie or a turkey/sweet potato/pea/turnip shepherd's pie. I like savory pies. They're also easy to do in small portions.

Or I could do what I did last night and make pesto, coat some pasta with it, and sautee garlic, onion, green pepper, peas, and sun-dried tomatoes (and maybe a light white fish of some kind) to accompany.

Stufsocker at 11:53AM on 05/27/08

Butterflied filet mignon stuffed with brie on a pool of dried cranberry/balsamic reduction

Gourmet Guy at 12:00PM on 05/27/08

German Chocolate cheesecake...YUUUUMMMMM

bb97036 at 12:01PM on 05/27/08

My Bolognese sauce and veal meatballs.

cdziuba at 12:09PM on 05/27/08

My loaded chicken spinach salad. Always a hit!

ssommerville at 12:35PM on 05/27/08

Every competition is somehow themed... how could I choose? I made this killer scallops dish in a saffron cream sauce once. If i could remember how I made it, that's what I'd do.

Tactful_Cactus at 12:39PM on 05/27/08

Well, my husband's family always has me make the rolls for any holiday. Plus, I have to quadruple the recipe, so I guess they're pretty good!

EAGarner78 at 12:41PM on 05/27/08

I think it would depend on the competition, but an opening dish for Top Chef might be pan seared grouper on a white bean puree with braised leeks.

syoung68 at 12:42PM on 05/27/08

i would prepare a nouveau vietnamese dish. Starting off with foam of green papaya, topping that with foam of fish sauce and foam of basil.

foodiegirl at 12:48PM on 05/27/08

mmm shrimp pomodoro!

nat85 at 12:54PM on 05/27/08

Outrageously good Asian three pepper deviled eggs with soy, pink and white peppercorns and ground black pepper. Or a savory such as pork tenderloin accompanied by a savory-sweet sorbert or ice cream, such as apple-Calvados-black pepper.

Mizbee at 1:00PM on 05/27/08

My great-great grandma's Brown Edge cookies. They basically consist of butter and sugar - so good!

LttlMichey at 1:00PM on 05/27/08

Shrimp creole.

herrinfamily at 1:05PM on 05/27/08

I would make my Mom's Spaghetti with Meatballs and "Popat".

amylou61 at 1:09PM on 05/27/08

Crawfish and creamy grits with a Tasso gravy

bajjmayer at 1:27PM on 05/27/08

definitely would depend on the challenge requirements and what ingredients are available... i probably try to make something Asian or a twist on a classic...

rhovan_faer at 1:35PM on 05/27/08

osso buco

cafire at 1:50PM on 05/27/08

hmm, my non-winning recipe would probably be the only remotely sophisticated thing i've ever concocted from scratch: pappardelle with roasted cauliflower, lemon & capers in mascarpone/cream sauce. okay, the pasta wasn't from scratch...

j at 1:52PM on 05/27/08

Pan fried pecan and cornmeal encrusted grouper with a tomatillo-jalapeno chutney ... and I'm now hungry.

kimberly9938 at 1:56PM on 05/27/08

I'd whip up some fried chicken and mashed potatoes with cheese and make my grandma proud!!

nichole at 2:00PM on 05/27/08

I'd probably do what I enjoy most - a fresh artisan bread with one or two flavored butters.

tandek at 2:02PM on 05/27/08

Fried Chicken. I know it sounds simple but who can resist perfectly fried chicken, right?

gkstratos at 2:16PM on 05/27/08

If it was a dessert competition I would make either peanut butter cup cheesecake or cookie dough cheesecake which is my hubby's favorite.

cherierj at 2:26PM on 05/27/08

Pineapple cake

yadgirl at 2:29PM on 05/27/08

I would make my fabulous shrimp cakes with pickled ginger, cilantro and sweet hot chili sauce.

kimberly joe at 2:36PM on 05/27/08

meatloaf, i make it goooood

agordon10 at 2:43PM on 05/27/08

Beef Wellington with all the trimmings

nancymorrell at 2:46PM on 05/27/08

If I were in a cooking competition and could cook what ever dish I wanted, it would be Hangtown Fry - a combination of eggs, oysters and bacon.

CarolHarrity at 2:55PM on 05/27/08

A new favorite, when I was cleaning out the fridge one day, is a deconstructed california sushi roll salad with brown rice (we are in brown rice country in northern CA) instead of sushi rice, with a wasabi dressing, toasted black and white sesame seeds, fake crab (the texture is more appropriate for the salad versus the real thing), avocado, minced ginger. Yum!

tugger at 2:57PM on 05/27/08

The only thing I can make without having to follow a recipe is fried rice! I'd suck in any cooking competition.

bipolarbear at 3:00PM on 05/27/08

My famous chili.

susan1215 at 3:03PM on 05/27/08

Something with bacon. Anything with bacon. Who doesn't like bacon?

xaire at 3:06PM on 05/27/08

Either ta'amaya wrapped in pita bread with cucumbers and tomatoes or strawberry cheesecake. Thanks for the great contest!!!

january1981 at 3:07PM on 05/27/08

Something that HOLDS WELL, so probably beef bourguignon. It has everything a diner could love -- wine, beef, bacon, unassuming vegetables, and you can pair it with practically any starch.

Alternately: my flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce and lightly sweetened bourbon whipped cream.

onalark at 3:13PM on 05/27/08

I would make a butternut squash ravioli with maple-sage brown butter. Simply divine!

durhamama at 3:22PM on 05/27/08

I would make either French Onion Soup (my friends love it) or if the ingredients were really fresh and good, I'd make Ratatouille.

mrsadm at 3:28PM on 05/27/08

my grandma's gravy with meatballs, bracciole, pork chops and sausage and homemade gnocchi.

delilahhhhh at 3:29PM on 05/27/08

miso-sake marinated fish with forbidden black rice and baby bok choy

alixwall at 3:30PM on 05/27/08

double-baked macaroni-n-3-cheese muffins in a corn-bread crust, made with mild cheddar, gruyere, and mozzarella, with chicken sausage add-ins.

eggrollstan at 3:39PM on 05/27/08

My version of Greek Turkey Burgers.

cher48603 at 3:40PM on 05/27/08

Sesame crusted tuna steaks (extra rare) with black rice and greens.

ScienceandtheCity at 3:41PM on 05/27/08

My mom's cheesecake

idahomom at 3:46PM on 05/27/08

Stir-fried veggies. Perfectly cooked, hot and crisp, they're great. And the closest I come to impressive.

surplusj at 3:47PM on 05/27/08

I would totally make my pimento cheese served on hot skinny cornbread. A Southern masterpiece!

krissyc at 3:55PM on 05/27/08

"crack brownies"

eliemalone at 3:56PM on 05/27/08

I'd have to make my signature carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

sharsd at 4:04PM on 05/27/08

Arroz con pollo... the right way with crunchy rice on the bottom. Though eliemalone's idea for "crack brownies" sounds smart.

caviarandcodfish at 4:09PM on 05/27/08

Oddly enough, I'd make my famous "Rice-a-Roni Meatballs". Of course I would doctor them up with some exotic mushrooms and really good meat stock.

fangirl at 4:18PM on 05/27/08

My specialty....

Hook cheddar and gruyere matzoballs in a bacon garlic duck stock.

Tony Bourdain would finally be mine.

mangabanga at 4:22PM on 05/27/08

It would have to be my lasagna. When my Cuban mom-in-law asked for it on her birthday (she doesn't ever make anything not Cuban) I knew it was time to document my method.

finsbigfan at 4:52PM on 05/27/08

lobster spaghetti

toastworthy at 5:02PM on 05/27/08

korean style short ribs two ways (soy braised and grilled) with apple and asian pear kimchi

skim at 5:07PM on 05/27/08

seafood lasagna

starsmom at 5:13PM on 05/27/08

Shrimp scampi

drala625 at 5:32PM on 05/27/08

mac and cheese

youthlarge at 5:38PM on 05/27/08

some kind of savory cheesecake, depending on the contest theme and time of year.

thatgrrl at 5:51PM on 05/27/08

I love this show so much, what a great prize! I think I would make the tastiest shrimp etouffee' for a competition. Thank you so much!

Tina12312 at 6:00PM on 05/27/08

I would make a Rosemary and garlic infused Roast Chicken.

janetfaye at 6:10PM on 05/27/08

something from chicken....maybe chicken mozzarella or chicken chili

tokenabc at 6:13PM on 05/27/08

Since I'm not a Top Chef (I'm barely a BOTTOM Chef) ... I have no idea what I'd make! That's why I NEED this cookbook!!!

Cataroo at 6:24PM on 05/27/08

I would make a tasty soup.

Bakersdozen at 6:26PM on 05/27/08

I'd cook my famous chili. This is not a chili for cowards.

patschraier at 6:45PM on 05/27/08

chilly!!!!

MajaMeza79 at 7:05PM on 05/27/08

A grouper and jack cheese sandwich with chipolte lime mayo, tomato, red onion, bib lettuce, tossed french bread with a side of french fried sweet potatoes with tartar sauce.

downed with a corona an lime,

and a fattie for dessert

chefchick48 at 7:06PM on 05/27/08

I would probably make a lemon layer cake I recently made for Easter. I combined a couple recipes and altered things a bit, so I can fairly claim this as my own creation!

woodenspoon at 7:13PM on 05/27/08

My chess pie!

LINDALSHOT at 7:20PM on 05/27/08

charred marinated artichokes with homemade pasta, pignoli nuts, fresh locatelli and cold pressed extra virgin olive oil

pkpicque at 7:24PM on 05/27/08

my special lasagna

mverno at 7:24PM on 05/27/08

I make an outstanding chicken fried rice so I guess I'd go with that.

Aisling at 7:28PM on 05/27/08

i would cook my ward wining elpaso scrambled eggs wn 5th place in a cooking contest and hasbeen pulished in a cook book and in local city newspaper

markslay at 7:44PM on 05/27/08

It depends on the contest ... but if I were on Top Chef (I can daydream, can't I?), I'd come prepared with a bunch of kick-ass desserts, because nobody wants to make them and the judges seem to be impressed by chefs who pull them off.

tschuhster at 8:23PM on 05/27/08

Fried chicken (as taught to me by my mother... which I'd be sure to mention, for the emotional appeal), grilled brussel sprouts (accompanied by an extended speech about eating healthy), secret recipe mashed potatoes (because I clearly haven't driven home the "down home" aspect of the challenge yet) and a shot of whiskey (because I've never worked with a chef who wasn't at least a moderate drinker).

For desert: Back talk and indignation to the judges when they declare my meal "too pedestrian" and criticize it for "not telling a story".

chinaski at 8:33PM on 05/27/08

Carolina Barbeque with Southern Cole Slaw. Mmmm, mmmm.

bhjustice at 8:35PM on 05/27/08

Chai pudding!
So delicious it should be illegal!

redcup at 8:42PM on 05/27/08

I would make something crazy like fish poached in watermelon consomme with sriracha sauce. I would probably lose in the first week.

Littlebluesiren at 8:43PM on 05/27/08

New York Style Cheesecake

cbroth at 8:48PM on 05/27/08

My mother-in-law's recipe for beef barbeque!The best I've ever tasted!

wandafaye at 8:49PM on 05/27/08

Rataoulle

greggor36 at 9:09PM on 05/27/08

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

cinder at 9:50PM on 05/27/08

Grilled lamb with garlic sauce

steadier571 at 10:05PM on 05/27/08

Lasagna. It's the dish I cook the best.

sandyy456 at 10:31PM on 05/27/08

Hmmmm...some kind of dessert. Right now, a strawberry and rhubarb concoction.

Marilyn at 10:36PM on 05/27/08

soup! my favorite food.

kgoods at 11:24PM on 05/27/08

pumpkin spice cake. it's not fancy, it's just delicious.

cybercita at 11:45PM on 05/27/08

Eggplant Rollatini

Maprinces3 at 11:55PM on 05/27/08

pb & jelly sammich!!

ghostamongyou at 12:18AM on 05/28/08

my favorite pesto stuffed turkey breast!

ooodaisymaeooo at 1:08AM on 05/28/08

Definity my fabulous pigs in the blanket...yum!!!!

ladybug2007 at 1:38AM on 05/28/08

Hopefully the competition would be about comfort food, so I could make my famous meatloaf with green peppers and swiss cheese.

pootieposh at 3:34AM on 05/28/08

nothing fancy, but an awesome cabbage stew!

nekineki at 4:17AM on 05/28/08

My Blueberry Kugel...it's what I make whenever we have a gathering and is a big favorite

mama43 at 5:58AM on 05/28/08

I'd make a Spanish egg dish that I learned to make while in Spain.

AsTheNight at 6:04AM on 05/28/08

A Russian-German food. Matte Glace (cottage cheese dumplings) which I learned to make from my mother-in-law who immigrated to America when she was about 6 months old.

rdoor at 6:05AM on 05/28/08

Salmon Mouse

silverbele at 8:04AM on 05/28/08

Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake.

clc408 at 8:08AM on 05/28/08

Spicy linguine with white clam sauce.

Rottenmom at 8:29AM on 05/28/08

a pizza

cannatar at 9:46AM on 05/28/08

linguine with seafood (blue crab, shrimp, mussels, clams)

lehneka at 10:03AM on 05/28/08

My mama's "Chop Suey".

raspberrypicker at 10:25AM on 05/28/08

Apple Cake - layers of thinly sliced apple with lemon juice, cinnamon and sugar with a rustic cobbled crust

AnnArtiste at 10:31AM on 05/28/08

cucumber sandwiches.

barbaracmoses at 10:47AM on 05/28/08

Robiola grilled cheese with chives.

Jenndlv at 11:10AM on 05/28/08

Spaghetti with meatballs

imjasonc at 11:16AM on 05/28/08

chocolate mousse

sln123 at 11:30AM on 05/28/08

Chicken and andouille gumbo - simple but with complex flavors

kimblyl at 11:40AM on 05/28/08

I'd make grilled cheese! Fear my wicked culinary skillz!

digitalburro at 11:56AM on 05/28/08

my special salmon-unagi dish - always a success!

chon76 at 11:58AM on 05/28/08

apple pie from scratch

lfosses at 12:00PM on 05/28/08

barbecue pulled pork

dwarzel at 12:06PM on 05/28/08

My mom's spring rolls

mchow at 12:25PM on 05/28/08

Probably my Peanut Butter Pasta. Sounds odd but it's really very yummy! It's not "beautiful" on the plate though ... wonder how many points I'd lose for that? :)

catherineann12 at 12:30PM on 05/28/08

Beef with balsamic glazed onions and roasted fingerling potatoes

ohnofullmoon at 12:48PM on 05/28/08

i would make my middle easter triangles- people can't get enough when i make them

etrnlone at 1:34PM on 05/28/08

I'd make my signaure Dutch Apple Pie with sugared pecans on top!

mogrill at 1:44PM on 05/28/08

almond joy cake:
chocolate coconut cake and almond coconut cream cheese frosting. cover it in shaved coconut for a beautiful fluffy treat!

merlee18 at 2:08PM on 05/28/08

Macaroni salad!

LIDARKSIDE at 2:22PM on 05/28/08

My mother's home made raviolis with bracioli, but only after a LOT of practice!

Sunnyvale at 2:22PM on 05/28/08

singaporean chicken curry and scallion roti pancakes!! unless it was a challenge where the food had to be moved, then i'd omit the pancakes!

chicknwangs at 2:22PM on 05/28/08

butternut squash and apple galette with stilton

stephnd at 2:31PM on 05/28/08

mom's take on spiedini: veal roll stuffed with cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, and prociutto

rovingfork at 2:34PM on 05/28/08

My tiramisu has been known to garner better compliments from friends than any tiramisu in the County.

threedogkitchen at 2:36PM on 05/28/08

some type of baked good - cookies probably

sueshe76 at 2:54PM on 05/28/08

Mini meatloaf wrapped in bacon

avman at 3:01PM on 05/28/08

I would make my famous New York style cheesecake!

kathy612 at 3:07PM on 05/28/08

Steak!

dove1960 at 3:10PM on 05/28/08

My Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup Rocks!!

kerinsj at 3:41PM on 05/28/08

spinach and artichoke dip with pita chips

nschmun1 at 3:45PM on 05/28/08

I would make Chocolate Eclair Cake. Our favorite!

dglitter at 3:46PM on 05/28/08

the posh version of my homemade mac and cheese....never gets old.

negociants at 3:48PM on 05/28/08

Since I don't really cook it would probably have to be either Noodle Roni with stuff added or a sandwich. I make a pretty good sandwich.

shannons at 4:00PM on 05/28/08

chicken pot pie - it's dangerous

imnotobsessed at 4:15PM on 05/28/08

Venison lasagna with ricotta and homemade noodles.

gkran at 4:32PM on 05/28/08

Id prepare my southern style pot roast.. its wonderful!

I blogged you on Prize-A-Tron
http://www.prizeatron.com

angelaandmelos at 4:40PM on 05/28/08

shrimp scampi

maweisberg at 5:29PM on 05/28/08

Fresh pasta with Bolognese sauce for sure!

gunzie at 7:45PM on 05/28/08

Chicken wing dip!!! With hoity-toity ingredients, of course. Seriously, every time I make it there is a mad stampede for the fatty goodness.

tsullie at 7:46PM on 05/28/08

My hubby and I make a mean fettucine alfredo.

tmf315 at 8:10PM on 05/28/08

Spiedies!!!

whippeteer at 8:55PM on 05/28/08

Evening, My semi-famous white chili! Thanks, Cindi

windycindy at 9:41PM on 05/28/08

seafood risotto....tasty goodness

uninorth at 9:45PM on 05/28/08

chicken scampi over whole wheat penne, and walnuts and bacon over asparugus with a lemon vinagrette

nerous at 9:46PM on 05/28/08

brownies!

piepie at 10:03PM on 05/28/08

I have an awesome recipe for oven barbequed chicken that even my fussy 12-year-old son asks for frequently. Thank you for the contest!

AmberRose95 at 11:50PM on 05/28/08

I'd make my homemade chicken pot pie. The whole family loves it.

shel704 at 4:31AM on 05/29/08

Spanish Birds; a roll of pounded beef with boiled egg, klobasa, pickle and mustard concealed inside. All swimming in a lucious brown sauce with those same ingredients minced and stirred in. Serve these alongside steamed rice or bread dumplings.

czken at 7:04AM on 05/29/08

cupcakes

sln123 at 10:31AM on 05/29/08

I have a recipe for a white cake with strawberries that is wonderful

bison61 at 11:28AM on 05/29/08

....grilled lobster tails, stuffed with panko bread cumbs, heavily flavored with fresh ginger, lemon,chives and garlic.

pjlein at 1:11PM on 05/29/08

Kick-Down-The-Door Lasagna (or so dubbed by my family!)

MonCherie at 1:41PM on 05/29/08

I know no one ever wins with chicken, but I make a great spicy chicken breast with tomato chutney. It's really easy to make but very delicious and has surprised every friend I've ever cooked it for. I also seem to have a knack for making interesting and delicious salads on the fly -- so that would be a great go-to.

kettering at 1:50PM on 05/29/08

Last night's dinner: grilled lamb sandwiches with grilled peppers, organic tomatoes, and arugula with aioli on rosemary bread.

geokat42 at 2:13PM on 05/29/08

My carrot cake: very simple, absolutely moist, lightly sweetend, and delicious. With homemade cream cheese icing with nutmeg, pecans, and walnuts.

AlBee at 3:06PM on 05/29/08

hot hot chilli and cornbread!

chlamers at 3:09PM on 05/29/08

Ham pasta.

egreca at 3:18PM on 05/29/08

asparagus risotto...its delicious!

rlt217 at 5:08PM on 05/29/08

my delicious short ribs.

Michele811 at 5:14PM on 05/29/08

My homemade gelato!

sshirazi at 5:34PM on 05/29/08

my chili

deckit at 5:54PM on 05/29/08

Chana masala. It's really simple and really easy to do, but there's none better.

meeralee at 6:14PM on 05/29/08

chocolate cake

tracker at 6:56PM on 05/29/08

I make a really wicked muffin with lots of fruits and nuts. I guess that's what I'd try.

mistvan at 7:43PM on 05/29/08

Seared sea bass with spicy lemongrass crust

schnitzel at 8:51PM on 05/29/08

world's greatest lasagna

chromiumman at 12:06AM on 05/30/08

French onion soup, simple but delicious!

Jessilyn24 at 1:08AM on 05/30/08

mango crab cakes with chipotle

hmcnaron at 8:04AM on 05/30/08

Chocolate Mousse with Skim Milk. I'm always looking for healthy eating solutions. Hey, we still like our dessert, don't we?

barneya1 at 8:32AM on 05/30/08

Dark Chocolate-Banana Tart (for the dessert category) or stuffed acorn squash

mjohnson105 at 10:34AM on 05/30/08

my family is nuts about 2 of my specialties-chicken and spaghetti and my chicken and dumplings- they are always asking for them

luckycorn1 at 11:30AM on 05/30/08

braised short ribs..it seems to be favorite! =)

sassysprite at 11:37AM on 05/30/08

I would prepare my:

Maple & Curry Glazed Pork Tenderloin with
Oven-roasted Root Vegetables

Tirzah at 11:42AM on 05/30/08

Jardalu Ice Cream

Maxwow at 12:18PM on 05/30/08

Garlic Pepper Shrimp over parmesan and mushroom risotto

fenix69j at 12:55PM on 05/30/08

The most delicious thing I've ever made was a burrito so I would fancy it up, making sure not to go overboard and hope for the best.

iyamapotato at 1:11PM on 05/30/08

Summer squash casserole with couscous

missmeigs at 1:13PM on 05/30/08

My famous lasagna

mhazelb at 1:41PM on 05/30/08

I would prepare chicken curry.

pintolinda at 1:56PM on 05/30/08

Coq au biere

shannasanders at 1:57PM on 05/30/08

I would cook my version of spaghetti and meatballs

roseh at 2:45PM on 05/30/08

Chicken and dumplings....enough said.

AlbinoRockstar at 2:52PM on 05/30/08

Italian meatballs!!

msvandy at 3:03PM on 05/30/08

I would make my famous award winning:

CHOCOLATE CREOLE CAKE!

smeker at 3:17PM on 05/30/08

crab cakes

bluebird at 3:31PM on 05/30/08

I really don't think I could compete with any of the chef's on Top Chef but I love my eyerounds.

denyse at 3:41PM on 05/30/08

Cheesy Dill Steaks

kaylee8 at 4:42PM on 05/30/08

chicken marsala & wild rice & spice bread

donroffey at 5:38PM on 05/30/08

Garlic pesto shrimp pasta.

tech9803 at 5:58PM on 05/30/08

I would make smothered porkchops, fried cabbage, and buttered egg noodles. It never fails to impress!

baywitch at 6:56PM on 05/30/08

a good steak i'd make. thanks for the contest

yyeres at 6:58PM on 05/30/08

i would make seafood gumbo

BBBNEYS27 at 7:15PM on 05/30/08

My six year old suggests my grilled hamburgers. :-)

HSlater351 at 8:00PM on 05/30/08

stoved howtowdie with drappit eggs... great scottish recipe that i first heard of from the two fat ladies. it's basically a stuffed, poached chicken that you serve over a poached egg and spinach. delicious and interesting (and secretly easy!)

AlexRaine at 8:26PM on 05/30/08

Chicken with cream pecan sauce. Chicken, cream, onions, mushrooms, pecans, vermouth, yummy yummy!

gypsy58 at 9:33PM on 05/30/08

Roasted red pepper Hummus or baba ghanoush, homemade flatbread if time permits.

llarabyth at 10:20PM on 05/30/08

Some kind of homemade bread, probably. If there's a time limit, it would be a flatbread; if I had no limit, it would probably be sourdough. Not too many bread-baking from scratch contests around, though, eh?

dbcurrie at 11:16PM on 05/30/08

My family would say pizza pockets. These have became quite a regular around our house. Please enter me, thank you

debbie78 at 3:41AM on 05/31/08

I would prepare Beef Barley Soup.

madonnap at 4:52AM on 05/31/08

I would make my potato salad.

gjobanion at 11:16AM on 05/31/08

My Oven baked Chicken Kiev, definitely.

theamira at 12:19PM on 05/31/08

I would have to enter my warm mustard potato salad. It's always requested at our family get togethers.

eitsirhc at 12:34PM on 05/31/08

grilled salmon with a honey-chipotle glaze

carolasar at 12:34PM on 05/31/08

potatoes au gratin

dmunson at 2:17PM on 05/31/08

key lime pie with cookie crust

molly1989 at 4:47PM on 05/31/08

It would be a dessert I call cherry cream cheese delight!

blueviolet at 7:56PM on 05/31/08

I make a fresh, tasty guacamole and black bean chili.

abeaudet at 8:22PM on 05/31/08

probably either my thai style beef or green bean casserole.

JennVozik at 9:13PM on 05/31/08

Probably something braised - pretty foolproof and totally tasty

sachidewey at 10:31PM on 05/31/08

I would make chimichangas with hot pepper salsa

jsallis at 11:31PM on 05/31/08

I'd do something really stupid, like M&M cookies.

traken42 at 5:11AM on 06/01/08

Pot roast, with parsley potatoes and carrots.

arvard at 9:56AM on 06/01/08

I would cook my famous beef brisket.

rffoodie at 11:18AM on 06/01/08

filet mignon with a mustard brandy sauce.

DePro at 12:06PM on 06/01/08

assuming there are no limits on what we can make ...

medium rare osterich steak with pomegranate-balsamic reduction
pureed cauliflower garnished with a baked parmesan crisp
roasted asparagus with garlic and lemon

joyyy at 12:44PM on 06/01/08

Mom's hamburger rice casserole.

jayfr at 12:45PM on 06/01/08

my crustless gluten free amaretto no bake cheesecake.

gervitsd at 12:59PM on 06/01/08

SHRIMP SCAMPI

cuddles115 at 3:33PM on 06/01/08

I would totally prepare my baked pineapple dish; it's to die for and always gets rave reviews from friends and family!

LadyJemima at 4:02PM on 06/01/08

Beef tenderloin

saturdaynightfever at 4:23PM on 06/01/08

I can make a simply delicious crab cakes that the family devours

Ardy22 at 5:03PM on 06/01/08

My Special K Roast that my family loves.

mariana at 6:23PM on 06/01/08

Green Bean Stew

nicnac at 7:20PM on 06/01/08

I would make my butter rum cake.

pwhite98270 at 7:54PM on 06/01/08

My Chinese Sweet rice

lani97 at 10:12PM on 06/01/08

Beef Braciole

nesta67 at 10:13PM on 06/01/08

I would make my crab veggie soup.

Gracie at 10:55PM on 06/01/08

fish with asparagus and dill seasoning.

sharonc at 11:11PM on 06/01/08

I would make salmon with a homemade terriyaki sauce with seasoned rice and grilled vegetables!

laralin2266 at 11:35PM on 06/01/08

lasagna, you just can't screw that up!

joni514 at 11:36PM on 06/01/08

Think that scrambled eggs with cream cheese and cheddar would win it for me ?

reallycool31 at 11:41PM on 06/01/08

Chili!

steevee at 11:52PM on 06/01/08

anything that is vegetarian or vegan......always the healthy choice!

ScooterMcKyle at 11:53PM on 06/01/08

i would make my famous prime rib with wild mushroom rice

azrosebud at 11:54PM on 06/01/08

I'd make my Chicken Cacciatore recipe and serve it along with my homemade Italian Herb bread, along with a special salad.

knits at 12:20AM on 06/02/08

probably some grilled lime chicken, something to that affect

samanthapayntr at 1:27AM on 06/02/08

It would depend on whether I get to choose the recipe AND ingredients, as well as the time available to prepare the meal. If, like on some reality cooking shows, someone else chooses the ingredients from which I would make a recipe and/or meal, not to mention the time deadline in which to prepare the food, then what I would prepare might differ from what I would ordinarily choose to prepare with full ingredient choice and time control in my hands.

madeas at 2:00AM on 06/02/08

I agree with above posters who mentioned that it depends on the details of the competition....

sdeas at 3:06AM on 06/02/08

Chicken soup, because if you can make something simple extraordinary than something has really been accomplished.

neirboc at 5:55AM on 06/02/08

I would make my famous Mandarin Orange Cake.

pinkyga at 7:29AM on 06/02/08

My fajitas or any dish with crispy bacon...who can resist bacon?

pancak at 7:42AM on 06/02/08

Yes it would depend on the competiton, time, ingredients etc.

ladyvon5845 at 8:56AM on 06/02/08

spaghetti everyone loves my spaghetti :)

klp1965 at 9:03AM on 06/02/08

Probably my pot roast - it is fabu!

misaacmom at 9:04AM on 06/02/08

Southern fried chicken

garrettsambo at 9:17AM on 06/02/08

lobster and truffle risotto with fois gras

lilyk at 9:36AM on 06/02/08

My Chicken Tortilla Soup is pretty dang good. :-)

cowleyh at 10:25AM on 06/02/08

Would have to enter my ricotta cheesecake -- it's the only thing I make really well!

guettel78 at 11:05AM on 06/02/08

I would enter my lasagna.. it's a family favorite!

tina9157 at 11:28AM on 06/02/08

Turkey Burgers!

atreau at 11:40AM on 06/02/08

I would make a dish that i stole from Carraba's. Steak Brian, nothing better than strip steak with goat cheese, basil and sun dried tomatoes with a lemon butter sauce!

kwinger at 11:49AM on 06/02/08

I would prepare my grandmother's famous Sour Beef and Dumplings.

penguin28 at 11:59AM on 06/02/08

I would enter my chicken potato salad. Even my picky husband likes it.

kathleenyohanna at 1:33PM on 06/02/08

Lamb chops

kaaas at 2:09PM on 06/02/08

Wow. That's a hard one. I make some killer marinated chicken drumsticks every holiday party that people seem to like. I suppose I would fix those!

Ashton7 at 2:33PM on 06/02/08

I would prepare my tortellini salad with artichokes and lovely summer vegetables dressed in a oh-so-good herb viniagrette.

CMIRily at 2:40PM on 06/02/08

Depends on the competition...

For cooking, I'd make my grilled Flank Steak (marinated with Indian spices) served with fresh sweet potato fries. Or maybe my Hungarian Goulash served with Basmati rice or Couscous. Both meals are always a huge hit for whoever I make it for.

For baking, I'd prepare my Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake, topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of my dark chocolate ganache. Or maybe I'd make my famous Double Chocolate Peppermint cookies. They're a rich, fudgy cookie with a peppermint-confectioner's glaze.

ebarss1 at 4:05PM on 06/02/08

POACHED LOBSTER TAIL with avruga caviar, creme frappe, smoked salmon mousse in a puff pastry lobster shell

rarefiederin at 5:07PM on 06/02/08

I agree-this is hard. I'm a really good cook. I make an awesome cheescake, also lasagna, homemade chili and the list goes on-I can't pick just one. All this talk of good food is making me hungry :)

hbh3421 at 5:09PM on 06/02/08

Chicken Cakes with Mango and Avocado Salsa. Great in the summer! Light & tasty!

chele60 at 5:16PM on 06/02/08

Flat iron steak w/ shallot sauce; sauteed morels

bethesdagrrrl at 5:43PM on 06/02/08

Shepard's pie

debswild at 7:40PM on 06/02/08

Zucchini and Corn Topped with Cheese
This is a sauteed zucchini, corn, and tomato mixture which is topped with sharp
Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, making it a family favorite way to get everyone eating their vegetables!

bndraldy at 8:24PM on 06/02/08

Tacos and Enchiladas

rosannepm at 9:01PM on 06/02/08

Echiladas

jlafount at 9:38PM on 06/02/08

Its so nice to see a Top Chef cookbook.My famous twice baked potatoes,my kids love them and always ask for them

peggy1116 at 9:45PM on 06/02/08

I would make German chocolate cake.

rlgrady at 10:37PM on 06/02/08

I would make lasagna.

donnak4 at 10:40PM on 06/02/08

Crab crepes

idoherty at 10:41PM on 06/02/08

my meatballs and gravy.i have to make this every get-together

kewpiedoll04 at 11:17PM on 06/02/08

Definitely my lasagna!!

tjett911 at 2:33AM on 06/03/08

I would make my favorite comfort food - baked mac & cheese. There's chicken, walnuts, mushrooms, and a roux of gorgonzola, white cheddar, and bleu cheese. Topped with scallions, this is divine.

For a dessert, I would make rice pudding with lemon zest. It would be a carby, heavy entry, but everyone would be bursting with happiness and cheese.

ohmypuddin at 12:02PM on 06/04/08

Ancho Pork Tenderloin Enchiladas with a Red Chile Sauce - different and incredible! It would make Bobby Flay jealous

dandiw at 9:30PM on 06/07/08

Chicken Piccata with lots of fresh lemon juice and capers.

zonzon at 4:13AM on 06/10/08

Thank you for participating, and congratulations to our winners:

chicknwangs
Amandarama
scaevola
hmcnaron
gkran

Winners have been notified by email and also appear on our Contest Winners page.

Adam Kuban at 8:32PM on 07/01/08