Finished up my first food judging contest a little while ago. It was the House-Autry Mills Southern Fried Classic Contest. There were 14 entries and organizers say the cooks have really upped their game from previous years.

The most interesting dish to me was the Fried Stuffed Gator Peppers (pictured). It was very tasty and had a nice balance of gator (yeah, tastes like chicken) and pepper. It was also attractive and creative. I gave it high marks.

I also liked the Spinach Balls (pasta, spinach and cheese rolled into a battered ball and fried) and the Fried Crepes with Chicken and Spinach -- sort of like a chicken and spinach egg roll. Unfortunately, those didn't place (oh, if I ruled the world!).

The winner was a Breaded Creamy Bacon Rollup (bacon and cream cheese deep fried in a tortilla - the House-Autry breading was "Medium Heat" so it had a kick).

The Gator came in second. Third place went to a Zuchinni Roll-a-tini w/ Smoked Tomato Sauce, and Honorable Mention went to a Ham & Cheese Potato Bake.

The free House-Autry hushpuppy-on-a-toothpick is a North Carolina State Fair staple. This year when you graciously accept your free puppy, you can also turn over your submission for the mill's 200th Anniversary House-Autry Cookbook.

The Four Oaks-based company (originally located in Newton Grove until 2001), has been milling since 1812, and want their celebratory cookbook to feature some recipes from cooks who use their products.

The only rule is that the recipe must incorporate at least one House-Autry product. You can drop off submissions at the House-Autry booth in the Educational Building throughout the fair, or submit online (just do it by November 1).

The written submission must include the following information: Full name, zip code, phone number, email address, recipe name, recipe ingredients/measurements, recipe preparation/cooking instructions, and the name of the House-Autry product used.

Also, in addition to passing out the free puppies, they're also giving out coupons and other product samples, and there's a drawing for an Ultimate Fry Package.