Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville is named Cook of the year 2012 after winning the Cook of the Week Challenge Cookoff with his dish Salmon Saute with spicy sweet potatoes and brussels slaw.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville is congratulated by Eileen Brown, Daily Herald Assistant Vice President/Director of Strategic Marketing and Innovation, after winning the Cook of the Week Challenge Cookoff.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Standing in the center among contestants and judges is Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville, named Cook of the year 2012 after winning the Cook of the Week Challenge Cookoff with his dish Salmon Saute with spicy sweet potatoes and brussels slaw.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

About this Article

When Carpentersville resident and Schaumburg High School teacher Michael Pennisi was announced as the winner of the Daily Herald's second annual Cook of the Year contest Thursday night, 300 pairs of eyes rapidly searched the ballroom for the man of the hour. After a moment, he ran up from a crowd, waving his arms. "I'm kind of just stunned right now!" was Pennisi's first reaction. "This is way cool!"