2013 COOK OF THE YEAR: Dan Rich of Elgin
Age: 51
Occupation: Public works superintendent
Faced: Carrie Shawala in Round 1 and Judy Monaco in Round 2
Favorite ingredient: “Seasonal fruits and veggies. Grilled, sautéed or put into soups.”
Cooking style: “Homestyle fusion. I really enjoy taking traditional dishes and adding my own touch. Blending flavors can be very satisfying. Asian, traditional barbecue and Jewish/Eastern European have had tremendous influences on my style.”
Challenge outcome: Turning canned salmon into a fried fritter with corn, and serving with a cucumber sauce, impressed several judges in Round 1. Faced with Twizzlers in Round 2, he hit the mark cooking them into a port sauce to serve with Beef Wellington.
Dan Rich prepared Salmon fritters and a salad for his Cook of the Week Challenge that required the ingredients canned salmon, farro, grapes and red peppers
Patrick Kunzer/pkunzer@dailyherald.com
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comCook of the Week Challenge competitor Dan Rich, of Elgin, with vegetables from his garden.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comCook of the Week Challenge competitor Dan Rich, of Elgin.
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