We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 USA Pears Culinary Student Competition!

National Grand Prize Winner: 

John "Keith" Paugh, Texas Culinary Academy

Second Place Winner:

Cindy Bolla, Seattle Central Community College

Third Place Winner:

Adrienne Brennan, California Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu

Our judges were duly impressed with the quality and creativity of all the recipe entries that were submitted.  The competition was fierce, and we offer our sincere thanks to all students who entered.  All entrants will receive a special gift from USA Pears by mail.

Click here to view the winning recipes!

The entry period for this contest closed on January 29, 2010.  The following information is provided for reference only.

Don your whites and toque to create your best culinary insPEARation!  Whether you create an appetizer, salad, entrée, dessert, or beverage, we want to see your flair with the pear!  The flavor and texture of fresh pears are perfect for many culinary applications.  Baked, sautéed, juiced, sliced, pureed… the only limit is your imagination!

Cook for FORTUNE!

Grand Prize: $5,000 cash

Second Place: $2,500 cash

Third Place: $1,000 cash

Plus, each finalist’s school will receive an award for supplies or its general scholarship fund; $1,000 to the Grand Prize winner’s school and $250 to the second and third place winners’ schools.

… and FAME!

Winners and their recipes will be featured in foodservice publicity and on the USA Pears website.

… and TRAVEL!

Three semi-finalists will travel to Portland, Oregon, in March 2010 to prepare their dish for a panel of judges.  Compete to WIN in a city full of innovative award-winning restaurants!

Everyone wins! Each entrant will receive a pear culinary gift!

Click here to review the entry form.  (For reference only. Entries are no longer being accepted.)

Void where prohibited.  Must be 18 or over to enter.  Open only to culinary students seeking a culinary associate’s degree, diploma, or certificate at accredited schools located in the United States.  Entries accepted November 24, 2009 – January 29, 2010.  See Terms and Conditions for further details and restrictions.