Cook of the Week Challenge recipes: Challenges 1 & 2

In Challenge 1, home cooks Cara Kretz of North Barrington and Craig Brannan of Lake Villa were faced with mystery ingredients Madacaskar Vanilla, courtesy of My Sweet Kake, skirt steak, black beans and purple yams.

In Challenge 2, cooks Daniel Imburgia of Elk Grove Village and Hazel Oreluk of Mount Prospect were given light sour cream, courtesy of Littman Brothers Lighting, boneless chicken breast, apricots and parsnips.

See their recipes here. Enjoy!

Chicken Breast with Apricot Sauce with a Sour Cream and Chives Dip

Southwestern Sweet Potato Hash, Skirt Steak And Marinade with Vanilla Bourbon Barbecue Sauce and Japanese Sweet Potato Puree

International Tacos (Cajun chicken tacos with pickled parsnip slaw, apricot chipotle sour cream and sweet apricot chili sauce)

Vanilla Coke Grilled Skirt Steak with Mashed Purple Yams and Candied Bacon-Wrapped Onion Ring Stuffed with Spicy Black Beans