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Images: Cook of the Week Challenge Finals

  The winning dish as prepared by Michael Pennisi- Salmon Saute with spicy sweet potatoes and Brussels slaw. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville is named Cook of the year 2012 after winning the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off with his dish Salmon Saute with spicy sweet potatoes and brussels slaw. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Judges make their decisions during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Michael Pennisi and his sister Mary Samycia work on their dish for the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  An excited Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville wins the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off, with his dish Salmon Saute with spicy sweet potatoes and brussels slaw. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Judge Professor Patrick Beach of Harper College inspects Terri Edmunds’ Salmon dish during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Dominic Vitto, contestant Chuck Federici’s grandson, is decked out in his cooking outfit during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Contestants Louann Zundel and Michael Pennisi grab for their ingredients during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Daily Herald Assistant Vice President/Director of Strategic Marketing and Innovation, Eileen Brown welcomes a packed house for the Second Annual Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Contestant Terri Edmunds and her sous chef Ron Nunes plate their dish. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Winner Michael Pennisi is congratulated by runner-up Louann Zundel. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Standing in the center among contestants and judges is winner Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville, named Cook of the year 2012 at the culmination of the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Daily Herald Food Editor Deborah Pankey receives some comments from food judge Patrick Beach during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Eventual winner Michael Pennisi and his sous chef sister Mary Samycia work on their dish during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  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 Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Chuck Federici, right, and his sous chef brother John Federici, dish out some steamed brussels sprouts, during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Ingredients for the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off were Pomegranates, Brussels Sprouts, Greek Yogurt and Salmon. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off contestants from left, Terri Edmunds of Naperville, Chuck Federici of Hanover Park, Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville and Louann Zundel of Des Plaines learn about the secret ingredients. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Terri Edmunds of Naperville works on her Salmon Buerre Blanc with harissa sweet potatoes and warm brussels sprout salad, during the Cook of the Week Challenge Cook-off. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
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