Posted by Knoxville News Sentinel, TN on October 08, 2009 at 15:18:11:
Dishing with Monica Flatford
By Mary Constantine
Monica Flatford, Knoxville, is a finalist in the national Chex Party Mix contest with her recipe for buffalo chex mix. The winner is decided by the number of votes received at chex.com/recipes/. Deadline is Oct. 15.
When not in the kitchen, Flatford serves as marketing manager for the Knoxville Convention Center. She is married to Lynn Flatford, and they have two children, Landon, 12, and Mackenzie, 6.
What prompted you to enter the contest?
I entered on a whim. I thought why not. I could throw something together. I've only entered one other contest before.
How did you come up with the recipe?
I took the original Chex mix recipe and wrote out on the margin what I thought would make a good buffalo mix. Lynn and Landon both love buffalo hot wings, and it's usually served with ranch dressing and celery sticks, so I decided to take my favorite hot sauce, Frank's Red Hot, and mix it with Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix and then added some celery seed.
My general manager said if it wins they will add the recipe to the menu here at the facility.
You're competing with four other finalists. Have you prepared the competitors' recipes?
No, I haven't tasted any of them. I'm just pretending they aren't there; that way maybe they won't win.
How did you find out you were a finalist?
I had left my cell phone at home, so when I got home I saw that I had a message. As I listened to it I began to jump up and down, screaming, 'I'm a finalist!'
Are you more inclined to enter another contest now that you've experienced success?
When I hear about one my ears do perk up and my wheels start turning, but I don't think I'm ready for the big leagues yet.
What advice would you give someone regarding cooking competitions.
I would tell them to definitely give it a shot. It took me all of 20 or 30 minutes to make my recipe. Plus, there are some great prizes out there.
Please share your recipe.
Buffalo chex mix
4 cups Rice Chex cereal
4 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups Parmesan-flavored crackers
2 cups pretzel twists
6 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 teaspoons celery seed
In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, crackers and pretzels; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter, uncovered on high about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in hot sauce and seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on high 4-5 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.
Approximate values per serving: 160 calories (45 calories from fat); 5 grams total fat (2 grams saturated, 0 grams trans fat), 10 milligrams cholesterol; 460 milligrams sodium, 25 grams total carbohydrate, 1 gram dietary fiber, 2 grams sugar.
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