• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

epicuricloud (Tina Verrelli) logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Cooking Contest Experiences
  • Tina’s Recipes
  • QVC Demo Recipes
  • Tasty Travels
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Cookbook
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Judging The Great PhillyMag Cookoff!

January 24, 2014 by Tina Verrelli 21 Comments
Modified August 16, 2020 at 9:30 pm

Thanks for Sharing!

0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

The Other Side of the Hot Seat

There’s a first time for everything.  When you participate in cooking competitions, you are used to being the one in the “hot seat” while the judges do their business.  So, when I was asked to be the judge for Philadephia magazine’s first Great PhillyMag Cookoff!  I was thrilled and honored to do so!

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Callahan, Executive Editor for Philadelphia magazine, at the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest in Vegas this past November.  Inspired by the Bake-Off excitement, he decided to organize a casual in-house cookoff among the editors at the magazine.  They each chose and prepared one of the 100 Pillsbury Bake-Off finalists’ recipes.  My job was to judge each dish on taste alone – no bribes accepted (and yes, they were offered)!  This was going to be a tough job as everything looked and smelled delicious!  Woo Hoo!  Let the tasting begin!

 Emily Leaman, Health and Fitness Editor, made Sandy Reiter's   Easy Chili with Twisted Cheesy Cornsticks  .  The chili was hearty, warming and really flavorful.  A perfect dish for this

Emily Leaman, Health and Fitness Editor, made Sandy Reiter’s Easy Chili with Twisted Cheesy Cornsticks .  The chili was hearty, warming and really flavorful.  A perfect dish for this “Polar Vortex” weather we’re experiencing!  The cornsticks were delightful for dipping!

 Art Etchells, Editor,  Foobooz.com , made Frances Pietsch's   Bacon and Goat Cheese Salad on Walnut Flatbread  .  Yum!  Love at first bite!  This sandwich had great flavor balance and texture!  i would like another bite right now please!

Art Etchells, Editor, Foobooz.com , made Frances Pietsch’s Bacon and Goat Cheese Salad on Walnut Flatbread .  Yum!  Love at first bite!  This sandwich had great flavor balance and texture!  i would like another bite right now please!

 Rich Rys, Senior Editor, made Julie Pando's   Fudgy Chocolate Hazlenut Bars  .  These were a moist, fudgy, chocolate lover's dream!

Rich Rys, Senior Editor, made Julie Pando’s Fudgy Chocolate Hazlenut Bars .  These were a moist, fudgy, chocolate lover’s dream!

 Michael Wilson, Design Director, used his eye for detail to craft Jennifer Fisher's   Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Samosas  .  They were cooked to golden brown perfection and had a balanced savory/sweet flavor with just a touch of spice.

Michael Wilson, Design Director, used his eye for detail to craft Jennifer Fisher’s Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Samosas .  They were cooked to golden brown perfection and had a balanced savory/sweet flavor with just a touch of spice.

 Sandy Hingston, Senior Editor, baked up Nancy Fahey's   Almond Cafe Cookies  .  They were big, gorgeous cookies with the perfect amount of chew and crunch.  I loved how the almond flavor was not overpowering. 

Sandy Hingston, Senior Editor, baked up Nancy Fahey’s Almond Cafe Cookies .  They were big, gorgeous cookies with the perfect amount of chew and crunch.  I loved how the almond flavor was not overpowering. 

 Tom McGrath, Editor, baked Marie Sheppard's   Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake  .  Mmm... this would be perfect for a relaxing weekend morning with a steaming cup of joe!  The cake was loaded with fresh blueberries which melded beautifully with the cinnamon and citrus flavors.  Toasty pecans topped off the dish and added a wonderful crunchy texture.

Tom McGrath, Editor, baked Marie Sheppard’s Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake .  Mmm… this would be perfect for a relaxing weekend morning with a steaming cup of joe!  The cake was loaded with fresh blueberries which melded beautifully with the cinnamon and citrus flavors.  Toasty pecans topped off the dish and added a wonderful crunchy texture.

 Brand Editor, Ashley Primis, made Carolyn Westerback's adorable   Chipotle Meatball Appetizers  .  Each bite of these meatball cups was packed with tons of flavor.  I loved how the avocado pieces cooled the spicy bite of the chipotle sauce.  These would be perfect to serve at your game day party! 

Brand Editor, Ashley Primis, made Carolyn Westerback’s adorable Chipotle Meatball Appetizers .  Each bite of these meatball cups was packed with tons of flavor.  I loved how the avocado pieces cooled the spicy bite of the chipotle sauce.  These would be perfect to serve at your game day party! 

 Brian Howard, News Editor, made headlines with Cathy Wiechert's gorgeous   Orange Cardamom Blueberry Crostata  .  The beautifully pleated golden brown crust of this dessert holds a whopping 2 cups of blueberries that are sweetly spiced with orange marmalade and cardamom.  I just love the rustic simplicity of this crostata.

Brian Howard, News Editor, made headlines with Cathy Wiechert’s gorgeous Orange Cardamom Blueberry Crostata .  The beautifully pleated golden brown crust of this dessert holds a whopping 2 cups of blueberries that are sweetly spiced with orange marmalade and cardamom.  I just love the rustic simplicity of this crostata. “Crostata Boasts Blueberry Bonanza!”

 Senior Art Director, Jamie Leary, crafted Denise Pounds'   Chicken Lettuce Wraps & Sesame Crescent Noodles   with artful detail.  The color and crunch really made this dish pop!  I loved biting into the buttery lettuce, tender chicken and crispy noodles.

Senior Art Director, Jamie Leary, crafted Denise Pounds’ Chicken Lettuce Wraps & Sesame Crescent Noodles with artful detail.  The color and crunch really made this dish pop!  I loved biting into the buttery lettuce, tender chicken and crispy noodles.

 Christy Lejeune, Editor at Large, baked Joan Cossette's   Lemon Pistachio Blackberry Thumbprints  .  These large soft cookies had great texture and were bursting with flavor.  I loved the hint of lemon and that drizzle of honey glaze.

Christy Lejeune, Editor at Large, baked Joan Cossette’s Lemon Pistachio Blackberry Thumbprints .  These large soft cookies had great texture and were bursting with flavor.  I loved the hint of lemon and that drizzle of honey glaze.

 Research Editor, Malcolm Burnley, discovered a great recipe in Mindy Beaumont's   Honey Roasted Corn and Crab Puffs  .  One bite of the sweet corn and crab in these little nuggets transported me right to my summertime happy place.  I could practically feel the sand on my feet! 

Research Editor, Malcolm Burnley, discovered a great recipe in Mindy Beaumont’s Honey Roasted Corn and Crab Puffs .  One bite of the sweet corn and crab in these little nuggets transported me right to my summertime happy place.  I could practically feel the sand on my feet! 

 Claudia Gavin, Assistant Photo Editor, made Donna Beck's   Ham and Creamy Sriracha Pizza  .  For a sriracha lover like me, the spread on this pizza was a hit.  It had that addictive spicy quality that made you want to come back for more!  

Claudia Gavin, Assistant Photo Editor, made Donna Beck’s Ham and Creamy Sriracha Pizza .  For a sriracha lover like me, the spread on this pizza was a hit.  It had that addictive spicy quality that made you want to come back for more!  

 Wedding Editor, Carrie Denny, united 3 gooey ingredients in heavenly matrimony to make Wendy Wiseman's   Peanut Butter Caramel Sticky Rolls  .  These spirals of warm baked goodness will make you laugh, cry and will definitely leave you with sticky fingers.  

Wedding Editor, Carrie Denny, united 3 gooey ingredients in heavenly matrimony to make Wendy Wiseman’s Peanut Butter Caramel Sticky Rolls .  These spirals of warm baked goodness will make you laugh, cry and will definitely leave you with sticky fingers.  

 Jack Cotter, Digital Projects Editor, presented Sonya Goergen's   Mini Italian Shepherd's Pies  .  These savory morsels practically pack a full balanced meal into 2 bytes!  I loved the spinach in the mashed potato topping.  

Jack Cotter, Digital Projects Editor, presented Sonya Goergen’s Mini Italian Shepherd’s Pies .  These savory morsels practically pack a full balanced meal into 2 bytes!  I loved the spinach in the mashed potato topping.  

 Executive Editor, Michael Callahan, whipped up Craig Partin's   Malted Milk Ball Peanut Butter Cream Squares  .  I loved the whimsical quality of this dessert with its chocolate squiggles and sprinkling of fun candies from my childhood.  The crunchy peanut butter cookie base was a perfect contrast to creamy dreamy topping.  

Executive Editor, Michael Callahan, whipped up Craig Partin’s Malted Milk Ball Peanut Butter Cream Squares .  I loved the whimsical quality of this dessert with its chocolate squiggles and sprinkling of fun candies from my childhood.  The crunchy peanut butter cookie base was a perfect contrast to creamy dreamy topping.  

The Big Decision!

After the tasting was complete, I was sequestered to ponder my decision.  Whew!  Judging proved to be challenging as everyone did a really great job.  In the end, I chose 4 dishes that were not too sweet, not too salty and left me wanting more!  

Congratulations to:

4th Place: Rich Rys, Fudgy Chocolate Hazlenut Bars

3rd Place: Sandy Hingston, Almond Cafe Cookies

2nd Place: Michael Wilson, Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Samosas

1st Place: Art Etchells, Bacon and Goat Cheese Salad on Walnut Flatbread 

The first place winner, Art Etchells, won a $100. gift card to Tashan Restaurant.   

Thanks Philadelphia magazine!  I had a great time!

Thanks for spending some time in the cloud with me!  Tina ( :

Filed Under: Appetizer, Beef, Breakfast, Cookies, Cooking/Recipe Contests, Dessert, Dinner / Lunch, food adventure, Pastry, Pie Tagged With: Great PhillyMag Cookoff, Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest, Winning Recipes

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sonya

    January 24, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    This is fantastic. Thanks, Jack, for recreating my recipe. They look fabulous! So sorry you didn’t win. 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      They were yummy Sonya! Jack did a great job!

      Reply
  2. Sandy Hingston

    January 24, 2014 at 10:10 pm

    We had so much fun, Tina! Thank you SO MUCH for slogging through the cold and snow to be our judge. Next year!

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      I had a blast too Sandy! Glad you made it though the traffic & parking garage monsters!

      Reply
  3. Brett

    January 24, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    So much fun–thanks for sharing Tina!!

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:31 pm

      Was fun Brett! We need a Philly food adventure soon!

      Reply
  4. Emily Leaman

    January 24, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    Thank you, Tina! Glad you liked my chili 🙂

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:31 pm

      I could go for some right now Emily – my feet are frozen!

      Reply
  5. Lisa Keys

    January 24, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    How fun!! I do not know how you ate that all yourself–I know small bites.

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:31 pm

      It wasn’t easy, but someone had to do it ( :

      Reply
  6. Cathy Wiechert

    January 24, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    How fun! Thanks Brian Howard for choosing my crostata! I can see how difficult it was for the PBO judges…everything looks so good (I can attest to the fabulousness of those samosas, as I got to try them).

    Reply
    • Brian Howard

      January 25, 2014 at 1:46 am

      Thanks for the great recipe! I’ll definitely make it again.

      Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:30 pm

      It was delicious Cathy! Brian did a great job!

      Reply
  7. Craig Partin

    January 25, 2014 at 12:53 am

    So Cool! Honored to have my recipe chosen for the competition.

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:30 pm

      I loved Michael’s swirls on the top! Cool, creamy & dreamy recipe!

      Reply
  8. Lori Bowman

    January 25, 2014 at 1:29 am

    I’ve made the blueberry crostini before and it was a huge hit. Great way to use up all of the blueberries from my summertime farm share.

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:29 pm

      You’re right it is a great way – can’t believe how many you can cram in there!! LOL!

      Reply
  9. Brian Howard

    January 25, 2014 at 1:48 am

    Thanks for doing this, Tina. And thanks for the kind words about the crostata!

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 30, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Was a really fun way to spend my lunchtime!! Yum!

      Reply
  10. Mindy Beaumont

    January 31, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    What a fun idea! So glad my little puffs got to be apart of it 🙂 I miss Philly!

    Reply
    • Christina Verrelli

      January 31, 2014 at 9:19 pm

      Your little puffs were awesome!! Malcolm did a great job with them ( :

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome to epicuricloud!

Hi I'm Tina, Mom-Teacher-Foodie-Recipe Creator

On-Air Guest for KitchenAid on QVC

EPICURI: Foodie, passion for food and drink.
CLOUD: A sharing place.
Love to share my recipes here! Join me!

Read More…

Search

KitchenAid on QVC Calendar:

There are no upcoming events.

View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Dinner & Lunch Recipes:

Shiitake, Ginger & Pork Pot Sticker Soup

Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

Whiskey Glazed Corned Beef Hash and Eggs

Whiskey Glazed Corned Beef: 2 meals in 1

Roasted Asparagus Soup with Pumpernickel Croutons & Prosciutto Crisps Recipe (+ Vegan Version)

Empanada Party: 4 Fillings + 3 Sauces = YUM!

PB & Fluff Push Pops (Just a Quick Idea)

Warm Farro Salad w/ Grilled Flank Steak

All-Time Favorite Recipes:

Key Lime Pie with slice cut. garnished with whipped cream rosettes and key lime slices

“Lime in the Coconut” – Key Lime Pie

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

Sweet Potato and Bacon Mini Frittatas

Stack of 4 golden brown grilled cheese sandwiches, top one cut on diagonal

Amazing Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Scrumptious Eyeball Poppers: Easy Halloween Dinner

KitchenAid Bread Bowl (Gluten-Free) Bread

No-Churn Ice Cream

Rice Crispy Cookies with M&M’s and Peanut Butter Chips

Pet Treat Recipes:

Homemade Dog Waffles – “Woofles”

Purr-fect Kitty Salmon Treats

Ruff, Ruff Truffles: Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Doggie Biscuits

Meow-ums Kitty Crackers

“gnaw, gnaw” Biscuits: Teeth Tamers for Guinea Pigs and Rabbits

Cockatiel Seed “Tweets”

Peanut Butter and Banana “Barkies” (Dog Cookies)

Recipe & Post Archives

  • January 2023 (2)
  • December 2022 (2)
  • November 2022 (6)
  • October 2022 (3)
  • September 2022 (3)
  • July 2022 (1)
  • June 2022 (4)
  • May 2022 (1)
  • April 2022 (4)
  • March 2022 (1)
  • February 2022 (1)
  • January 2022 (3)
  • December 2021 (1)
  • November 2021 (1)
  • October 2021 (3)
  • September 2021 (1)
  • August 2021 (2)
  • July 2021 (3)
  • June 2021 (4)
  • May 2021 (5)
  • April 2021 (3)
  • March 2021 (3)
  • February 2021 (1)
  • January 2021 (2)
  • December 2020 (2)
  • November 2020 (3)
  • October 2020 (2)
  • September 2020 (4)
  • July 2020 (2)
  • June 2020 (6)
  • May 2020 (3)
  • April 2020 (4)
  • March 2020 (6)
  • February 2020 (6)
  • January 2020 (6)
  • December 2019 (4)
  • November 2019 (4)
  • October 2019 (5)
  • September 2019 (8)
  • August 2019 (6)
  • July 2019 (6)
  • June 2019 (5)
  • May 2019 (5)
  • April 2019 (6)
  • March 2019 (4)
  • February 2019 (5)
  • January 2019 (3)
  • September 2014 (1)
  • August 2014 (1)
  • August 2013 (1)

Tina’s Recipe Categories

Appetizer BBQ sides Beef Blender Recipe bread Breakfast Breakfast & Brunch Brunch cake chicken Chopper Recipes Christmas Christmas Recipes Cocktails / Beverages Condiment Cookies Cooking for A Crowd Dessert Desserts for a Crowd Dinner / Lunch Easter food adventure Fourth of July Halloween Holiday Recipes Lunch Box Ideas Pasta Pet Treats QVC Demo Links by Date QVC Recipe salad Salads / Sides / Vegetables Sauce Sauces & Condiments School Treats Side Dish Snacks Soup Spring Foods summer foods Thanksgiving Uncategorized Vegetables Vegetarian yeast dough

Footer

 

Subscribe via Email!




Copyright © 2023 epicuricloud (Tina Verrelli)

0 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Yummly
  • Email

Homemade Made Easy Cookbook - Order Now! Dismiss