Wisconsin Potatoes All the Rage

This month, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) is ecouraging consumers to combine zesty Cajun flavors with Wisconsin potatoes. In addition to sponsoring the Ragin’ Cajun Slam Dunk Wisconsin Potato Recipe contest, the Antigo, Wis.-based WPVGA is collecting recipes consumers can enjoy while watching the big college basketball showdown taking place in New Orleans. One winner will even be able to watch the games on a new 22-inch LCD HD television.

Entrants can select which Cajun ingredients best complement Wisconsin potatoes, and then enter their recipes online at the WPVGA webpage.

Four finalists will win prizes, with the TV going to the "Cajun Champion," as the top winner will be designated. The second-place winner will receive a $150 gift card from his or her favorite grocery store, the third-place finisher will get a $100 gift card, and the fourth-place winner will earn a $50 gift card.

The submission deadline is March 2, with the finalists to be revealed March 13 and the Cajun Champion to be named March 27.

“Our recipe contest participants prefer a challenge -- a specific theme,” explained Tim Feit, WPVGA director of promotions and consumer education. “This year, we’re combining the excitement of the March collegiate basketball tournament with the culinary flair of New Orleans. And our Cajun Champion will be able to watch the final games on his or her new 22-inch television.”

The WPVGA will provide grocers with free downloadable recipe tearpads of the Cajun Champion recipe in late March. The WPVGA website also offers a wide selection of free point-of-purchase materials on its industry website.