DOLE Announces Cook-Off Contest at The Grove With Celebrity Chef Ben Ford

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 14, 2011) - Do you have that special recipe that incorporates DOLE® ingredients and has family and friends drooling? DOLE invites all aspiring chefs to submit their signature grilling entrées to the DOLE 2011 California Cook-Off recipe contest at www.facebook.com/dole. Three lucky finalists will win an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to cook for renowned judges including celebrity chef Ben Ford.

The DOLE family of all-natural fruit and salad products launches the 2011 California Cook-Off, a recipe contest where DOLE fans have the chance to win a trip to The Grove in Los Angeles to whip up their grilled cuisine and interact alongside celebrity chef and Cook-Off judge Chef Ben Ford.

Participants are invited to submit a recipe that is prepared partially or entirely on a gas grill using at least one DOLE product, including: DOLE Canned Fruit, Fruit in Plastic Jars, Fruit Bowls, Canned Juice, Frozen Fruit, Raisins, Dates, or a variety of DOLE Salad products.

Three finalists will be chosen to enjoy the ultimate culinary experience Sunday, June 26, 2011 at The Grove, Los Angeles' premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination, with Southern California's most-respected chef, Ben Ford, Executive Chef and Proprietor of Ford's Filling Station. Judging criteria for the grand prize winner will be based on best use of DOLE products, creativity, flavor and taste. The Cook-Off winner will also receive a cash prize.

For those who know good food and are "master tasters" but prefer to leave the cooking to others, you can also enter for a chance to join the panel of prestigious judges and win a cash prize as well at www.facebook.com/dole.

Visit www.facebook.com/dole for rules and submit your idea under the "CA Cook-Off" tab.
By using DOLE products with no more than seven additional ingredients, contestants will be automatically entered for the chance to win this very special culinary experience and a three day summer vacation to Hollywood!

Also, check out DOLE.com for information on the products to use for this contest as well as easy and delicious recipes for entertaining or everyday use.

About DOLE Food Company, Inc.
DOLE is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, and is the leading producer of organic bananas. DOLE markets a growing line of packaged and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.