Lentil Fest Cook-off finalists named

More than 100 recipes from 24 states and four countries were submitted for the Legendary Lentil Cook-off, and from those the National Lentil Festival selected the top five to compete August 18 for the grand prize.

The top five are as follows:

Elizabeth Koseyan from North Hills, Calif. - Mediterranean Lentil & Eggplant Crostini with a Garlic Yogurt Drizzle; Hidemi Walsh from Greenfield, Ind. - Caramel Lentil Cheesecake with Cookie & Cream Trifle; Jodi Taffel from Altadena, Calif. - Baked Lentil Empanadas; Margee Berry from White Salmon, Wash. - Seattle-Style Salmon Bowls; Ronna Farley from Rockville, Md. - Cinnamon Lentil Mini Pies.

They will travel to Pullman for the National Lentil Festival to prepare their recipe for a panel of celebrity judges.

The legendary Lentil Cook-off takes place Saturday, Aug, 18, at 3 p.m. on the cooking demo stage. The first 100 festival attendees can take part in a public tasting to determine the 2018 “People’s Choice.” The Cook-off is sponsored by the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council.