Start your Stovetops!

Start your stovetops! It’s the “Better Than Your Bubby’s Chicken Soup Challenge” - a search for the best chicken soup recipe in America. The National Jewish Outreach Program (www.njop.org) is looking for both traditional and unusual formulas of this famous elixir. So whether it is your grandmother’s famous recipe or your version of chicken soup fusion, NJOP wants to taste your Jewish penicillin.

Cooks across America are invited to submit their original recipes for a chance to win great prizes including a free trip to Israel, a $100 gift certificate to popjudaica.com, kitchen décor consultation with Art de Triomphe interior design and other great prizes. Five finalists will be selected under the direction of celebrity chef Jeff Nathan, the executive chef of New York-based Abigael’s and their soups will be tasted and judged by a prestigious panel of judges.

The contest coincides with NJOP's 13th annual SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA, which will be held on March 20, 2009. Just as traditional "Jewish" food is a unifying element to Jews of all background, SAA is an unparalleled display of unity as tens of thousands of Jews celebrate Shabbat across the country. The special event is held annually at hundreds of locations across North America and welcomes participants of all denominations.

"In times like these, I think the whole country could use a bowl of chicken soup,” said Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, director of NJOP. "The Jewish tradition revolves around family and festivity. Through the Chicken Soup Challenge, we hope to reinforce the notion that Jewish life is fun - and delicious - and that our heritage, like our recipes, can be passed carefully from generation to generation."

In 2004, NJOP conducted its first Chicken Soup Challenge and named NY-based Rosely Himmelstein as winner. Only recipes that can be made in accordance with kosher dietary laws will be eligible.

Email entries to contests@njop.org. Deadline for entry is March 2, 2009.

Good Luck!