June 13, 2007

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

KNESEL WINS 'HEALTHY DOES IT' COOKOFF

Alene Knesel's whimsical creation, "Edible Edith," was the grand prize winner at Bigfork Valley's "Healthy Does It" cookoff at the Bigfork Wilderness Day on June 9.

Knesel's dish was entered in the "Salads and Other Dressed Up Veggies" category and received the most overall points during the judging. Other winners were Janice Baker in "The Skinny on Desserts" category with a Colombian Devil's Torte, Jaden and Jenna Meyer in "Snacks for Your Packs" with Apple Smiles, and Laurie Holliday in "Healthy Pets" with Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits. Each winner received an apron and souvenir wooden spoon.

Entries were judged on taste, appearance/display and overall "healthiness." Judges included Ken Westman, Brian Rieger and - for the healthy pets category - Jacques, a standard poodle.

"We would like to thank all our participants in this contest," said Dan Odegaard, CEO of Bigfork Valley. "We hoped to encourage people to think about what makes food healthy, and create a dish using this insight in a spirit of friendly competition."

Knesel, from Dora Lake, created Edith from vegetables; a sweet potato face and cauliflower and alalfa sprout hair. She was dressed in a broccoli and kidney bean polka dot dress and carried a cucumber purse while walking a cauliflower poodle on a green bean leash. "Edith is a classy lady with an edible pansy that adorns her hair and purse, and a stylish tomato slice for a necklace," wrote Knesel. "She also strives to be heart healthy, and it comes through in her final touch of a strong, vibrant strawberry heart!"

Recipes for all the entries will be available at the Health Expo 2007 at Bigfork Valley on July 14 from 1-4 p.m. For more information and updates on the Health Expo, visit the Bigfork Valley web site at www.BigforkValley.org.