Do you burn water? Food Network wants you!
I know you're out there. You have the best intentions when you clip recipes from the section, but when you make them the cheese sauce turns goopy, the chicken breasts char beyond recognition and the biscuits fail to rise.
Here's your chance to redeem yourself by working alongside some of the country's best chefs on the Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America."
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17, casting directors will interview people with a genuine inability to cook - if your only kitchen foible is a runny quiche you made for Easter, stay home.
The show puts 12 hopeless cooks on two teams and leads them through culinary boot camp under chefs Anne Burrell (pictured with contestant Wilhelmina Josephine) and Beau MacMillan.
The cooks compete in a series of challenges during the six-episode series with those who show the most promise moving to the next round until the $25,000 winner is chosen.
If you're curious, head to worstcookscasting.com for details. You can nominate yourself or someone you know, but the cook must show up for the casting call and bring a dish that represents their cooking.
The open call will be held at The Affinia Chicago, 166 E. Superior St., Chicago
To try to arrange a phone interview before Saturday, e-mail worstcookschicago@gmail.com. Tell them why you (or the person you are nominating) is the most disastrous cook in the country. Include name, age, hometown, occupation, contact phone number, and a recent photo of the hopeless cook.
All hail Benedict: Eggs Benedict that is.
Friday, April 16, is our day to celebrate this exulted dish of poached eggs and creamy hollandaise and crispy English muffins.
The origin of the dish are hotly debated, but what all can agree on is that this dish has spawned some incredible variations. The ham might be replaced with Alaskan smoked salmon, andouille sausage or bacon, while waffles, artichoke bottoms and bagels can stand in for the muffin.
If you want to get out and celebrate, head to Egg Harbor Cafe to try a traditional plate of its Grown-Up Green Eggs and Ham Benedict: two croissant halves topped with tomato wheels, shaved ham, poached eggs and pesto hollandaise.
Earth Day at the farm: Tickets are available for a very special dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 23, at Heritage Prairie Farm near Geneva.
The four-season farm will serve a sit-down dinner intended to connect people to the earth, their food, and each other. On the menu you'll find seasonal fare like spring pea and farm-made ricotta crostini, pasta with grilled asparagus and grilled Cornish hens. Local wines and beers and a cocktail created specifically for the dinner will be available.
Tickets cost $65 (beer and wine $4 a glass, or BYO) and are available at hpmfarm.com or (630) 443-8253.
Don't bother getting a sitter. The farm will offer free, yes, free!, baby-sitting in the farmhouse. Kids can watch a movie, play games and have a kid-friendly dinner. Tell the staff how many children and their ages when you get your tickets.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at food@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends from during Restaurant Radio Chicago, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560 AM.