Lentil cook-off finalists chosen

Lentil-lovin’ judges have chosen six finalists in the Legendary Lentil Cook-off. The contest drew 127 entries from 32 states.

Here are the top six recipes and their creators: Curry Lentil Yam Hummus, from Sarah Peterson, Spokane; French Cassoulet with Lentils, Bacon, Sausage and Chicken, Lily Julow, Gainesville, Fla.; Let it Be Lentil Strawberry Shortcake, Renata Stanko, of Lebanon, Ore.; Pretty Penny Tostadas, Stacy Reed, Gresham, Ore.; Italian Peasant-Kissed Lentil and Butternut Squash Chili, Kelly Mapes, Fort Collins, Colo.; and Washington Harvest Salad from Michelle Keno, Fairfield.

Keno also was awarded “most creative” by judges, and Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, La., won the prize in the “I Hate Lentils” category for her Lentil and Sausage Etouffee.

The finalists’ recipes will be prepared and served at Pullman’s Reaney Park on Aug. 18. There are details online at www.lentilfest.com or by calling (800) 365-6948.

Modern40 dinner tickets available

Hungry? You’d better be if you’re planning to test your taste buds with the latest culinary creations from chef Jeremy Hansen at Modern40.

The chef and owner of Santé Restaurant and Charcuterie will showcase 10 different culinary concepts, with four tastes each (yes, that’s 40 tastes total) at this dinner and fundraiser held Aug. 17 and 18. Tickets are $225 per person and include wine pairings, live entertainment and swag.

Details and tickets are online on the Modern40 page on Facebook or by phone from Zachary Magan at (509) 200-2401.

Peaches are here

Suddenly boxes of this sweet summer fruit are everywhere – don’t miss out.

Green Bluff growers will celebrate the local season starting Aug. 18. Go to www.greenbluff growers.com and click on Fresh on the Bluff to see what is available.

Celebrate by making Grilled Sirloin Kebabs with Peaches and Peppers from Cooking Light’s “Cooking Through The Seasons,” (Oxmoor House, 2010). The recipe is on Page C6.