Fresh Sheet: Curlew contestant takes aim at top prize

Although Heather Beedle is one of five finalists in the French’s National Cook-off, she already feels like a winner.

The Curlew, Wash., mother of six will fly to New York City with her husband to compete for the grand prize of $25,000 on Feb. 25.

“My husband Will and I have been married for 18 years and we have never gone on a honeymoon,” says Beedle.

The Beedles were high school sweethearts. Their children, ranging in age from 3 to 17, will stay with family while they’re gone.

“Win or lose we’re just going to have a great time in New York. We’re staying a couple of extra days and really making it like a honeymoon,” she says.

Beedle came across an advertisement for the contest in one of her magazines and says in her rare free moments it seemed like she just kept opening to that page.

So, on a quiet school day when her youngest was occupied by a “Wonder Pets” cartoon, she entered.

Beedle’s barbecue turkey comes together quickly using leftovers. Look inside today’s Food section on page C7 for the recipe for her Irresistible BBQ Turkey.

“My kids just love it,” she says.

The other finalists’ recipes can be found on www.frenchsfoods.com.

French’s received about 2,500 recipes for the contest. The entries were required to use at least one of French’s products, no more than eight ingredients and come together in an hour or less.

Beedle will whip up her recipe for a panel of judges that includes David Rosengarten of The Food Network, magazine editors and bloggers.

Valentine’s Day Bake Sale

There’s still time to order heart-shaped cookies for your sweethearts from the New Leaf Bakery & Café.

The bakery is part of a job training program for women in need through Transitions Programs for Women. The six-month program helps women build their skills, develop a résumé of work experience and find a job.

The cookies are $6 for a half-dozen plain or $7.50 for decorated. Order forms can be found online at www.help4women.org or call Sheila Fitzgerald at (509) 496-0396.

Orders must be received by Friday. The cookies will be ready for pickup on Feb. 12 at St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th Ave.

The New Leaf Café, 12 E. Fifth Ave. inside the Catholic Charities building, serves coffee, baked goods and sandwiches from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Catering service for business meetings or fundraisers is also offered. The menu is on the Web site above, or get more information by calling Fitzgerald.