The National Soul Food Cook-Off is about reaching out to communities and
showcasing the worlds "unknown cooks".  We all know that Big Momma, uncle or
cousin who can throw down a mean plate of collard greens or that
mouthwatering Fried Chicken. These are the cooks that can create that
sumptuous Peach Cobbler or Sweet Potato Pie. The common thread that binds
all of these cooks together is that they are virtually unknown outside
family and a few close friends.
 
That National Soul Food Cook-Off Competition will put the spotlight squarely
on many of those "unknown cooks" through competitions all across the
country. Our goal is to find these "unknown cooks" and have them share
those recipes with the rest of us through a family-friendly event sure to
bring out the best of the best.  Many of these recipes are family traditions
that have been handed down for generations.
 
The National Soul Food Cook-Off Competition visionary is Cassandra Gaines of
Muskogee, OK. A few short years after conducting the Martin Luther King Jr.,
Day Soul Food Cook-Off Competition in Muskogee, Gaines realized she was on
to something and quickly made the decision to take this event on the road.
 
Gaines goal was to find ten cities to host the Soul Food Cook-Off
Competition with cash prizes awarded to winners in each city in four
different categories. The winners of each city will be brought together for
a national finals competition and of course more money. To date Gaines has
reached out to ten cities and has gained wide acceptance from all those she
has approached about hosting the National Soul Food Cook-Off Competition.
In fact, several local communities have now started to court Gaines in the
hopes that they too can become a host city.
 
The event is more than cooking. There is an educational component that has
proven extremely popular for many past participants. It involves a history
lesson on the origins of soul food, and cooking tips from top chefs.  Of
course you can also find those who are willing to share their cooking
secrets with participants and attendees alike.
 
And in keeping with her belief to give back, Gaines will leave a minimum of
four college scholarships to deserving students in each community to attend
a culinary arts university of their choice.
 
This is the first of its kind event held anywhere in America, a fact Gaines
is extremely proud of. The popularity of this event is a true testament to
Gaines and her vision.