MILFORD, IN (May 1, 2011) — Maple Leaf Farms is calling for entries for The 2011 Discover DuckTM Chef Recipe Contest now through August 5, 2011. Open to professional chefs and culinary students, the contest challenges entrants to create up to three original recipes that showcase duck in creative ways. Professional and student chef recipes will be judged in separate categories, each with their own cash prizes.

“The possibilities are endless with duck. It’s so versatile,” said Maple Leaf Farms Marketing Manager Cindy Turk. “This contest gives chefs a chance to use their culinary creativity. We look forward to seeing a lot of innovative and inspired recipes.”

Recipe entries must include a Maple Leaf Farms duck product and may be submitted for any menu part. The recipes will be judged according to originality, flavor, simplicity (easily sourced ingredients and ease of preparation) and accuracy of the recipe ingredients and method.

Entrants will compete for a total of $13,500 in prizes. Professional chefs will vie for a $5,000 Grand prize, $3,000 second prize and $1,500 third prize. The top two Student chefs will win $2,500 and $1,500 respectively.

The contest is open to U.S. residents, 18 years old or older. Entrants must be one of the following: professional chef, sous chef or lead line cook in a restaurant or non-commercial
foodservice establishment, or a student currently enrolled at a professional culinary school.

Complete contest rules and entry details are available online at http://www.mapleleaffarms.com/ chefcontest/. All entries must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 5, 2011.

About Maple Leaf Farms:
Maple Leaf Farms, Inc. is America’s leading producer of quality duck products, supplying retail and foodservice markets throughout the world with innovative, value-added foods. Founded in 1958, Maple Leaf Farms is a third generation family-owned company. For more information, contact Maple Leaf Farms at 1-800-348-2812 or visit http://www.mapleleaffarms.com.