Muffin Envy

What to take away from this contest: People from non-metropolitan cities have an unfair advantage when it comes to cooking contests. If the rest of us had nothing to do but toast muffins all day, we might win too (or at least have ten kids to practice on).

The Assignment: Recipes submitted must: 1) be original (not previously published in any medium, and not having won prizes or awards in any other contest); 2) be submitted by reply email to the address below; 3) be received by contest deadline; 4) use one or more Bays English Muffin(s); 5) serve 4-6 people; and 6) call for no more than 8 ingredients (not including Bays English Muffins, water, salt and pepper).

The Prize: $500 gift certificate for Williams-Sonoma

The (Failed) Entry: Hot Chili Cheese Melt

*4 Bays English Muffins, split
*2 tablespoons melted butter
*2 teaspoons taco seasoning
*1 cup of your favorite chili
*8 slices of cheddar cheese
*½ cup sour cream

Arrange the Bays English Muffins, split side up on a sheet tray. Lightly toast the muffins under the broiler. Mix the taco seasoning into the melted butter and paint over the toasted muffins. Spread 2 tablespoons of chili evenly over each muffin half. Top each muffin half with 1 slice of cheese. Broil muffins until the cheese is bubbling. Serve with a tablespoon-sized dollop of sour cream on each muffin

The “Winning” Entry (from the Virginia boondocks):
Brandied Cheese and Roast Beef Melts

*2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese
*1 tablespoon softened butter
*salt and pepper, to taste
*3 tablespoons brandy
*12 thin slices rare roast beef or prosciutto
*6 Bays English Muffins, split

Grate cheese then blend in butter, salt, pepper and brandy. Pack into a canning jar and refrigerate overnight to marinate. The next day, preheat oven to 350°. Spread cheese mixture on the cut sides of the Bays English Muffins. Bake 15 minutes then top each with a slice of rare roast beef or prosciutto and serve immediately.