Gourmet meals prepared in a jiffy

If you're a fan of the Food Network's game show "Ready ... Set ... Cook!" head to White Marsh Mall this Saturday. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., two local chefs, Nancy Longo of Pierpoint (above) and Robert Taylor Jr. of Hamilton's, will be competing to create gourmet meals in 18 minutes using only $10 worth of groceries. Audience members get samples and coupons. The airdate for the show has not been announced.

Salad pairs rice with fresh herbs

Here's an easy but elegant salad to serve with cold chicken or hamburgers on a hot August day.

Greek Rice Salad

Makes 4 servings

2 cups cooked rice

1/2 cup vinaigrette, or to taste

1/2 cup currants

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

1 tablespoon or more fresh herbs, chopped

Use whatever fresh herbs are in your garden that strike your fancy - mint, oregano, basil or parsley are all good. Mix ingredients and chill.

$10,000 prize in recipe contest

Have a great original family recipe? Stouffer's Real Home Cooking Recipe Contest is a competition worth giving up your secret ingredients for. The grand prize includes $10,000 cash, Kitchen-Aid counter-top appliances and a year's supply of Stouffer's frozen foods. The winning entry will become a new Stouffer's entree; the winner's photo and name will appear on the package. Check out rules on the Internet at www.stouffers.com or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Stouffer's Real Home Cooking Recipe Contest, Box 3007, Young America, Minn. 55558.