No place on Earth has a more beloved, and specific, local cuisine than New Mexico. In a land where the state question is “red or green?” one can only conclude that New Mexicans take their eating seriously.
 
They also take their recipes seriously. Home-grown New Mexico cuisine is a mosaic of all cultures. Its ingredients have intermingled and complemented each other since Coronado's expedition. New Mexicans had better be given a pretty compelling reason for sharing a prized recipe with the world.
 
New Mexico Magazine is now offering a couple of good reasons - recognition and prestige – through its first-ever New Mexico Magazine Salsa Contest.

“Few states can boast such a rich culinary heritage,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “By increased recognition and promotion of New Mexico’s vibrant culinary industry, we can bring more visitors to the Land of Enchantment, further enhancing economic and community development, and fostering greater pride and appreciation of diversity among New Mexicans.”

Geared toward commercial manufacturers only, entry to the “Bring the Heat” contest is limited to ready-to-eat salsas that are either made in New Mexico or made with New Mexico ingredients and available for purchase online or in retail outlets.

The contest winner will be featured in New Mexico Magazine’s "New Mexico's Best Eats" June issue; earn prestige as New Mexico’s best salsa of 2010; and be given the New Mexico Magazine Salsa Contest Winner’s Seal.

Deadline for entry is February 1, 2010.

Salsas will be tasted by a panel of three judges: “King of the Road” contributor Lesley S. King; “Southwest Flavor” contributor Rocky Durham; and author of “Gil’s Thrilling and Filling Blog,” Gil Garduño. In the event that a judge is unable to participate, New Mexico Magazine will appoint a qualified person. The decision of the judges is final.

Contestants may submit as many varieties of salsa as they choose. Each entry must include one jar of the salsa and one entry form, which can be downloaded at http://www.nmmagazine.com/imgs/NMM-SalsaContest-2010.pdf. To qualify, entries must be tamper-proof and arrive undamaged. Broken and/or unsealed jars will be disqualified.
 

By submitting your product to the contest, you grant New Mexico Magazine the right to publish images of it in its publications, websites, e-mail newsletters, and any promotional material (i.e. press releases or advertising).


Mail your entry to:

New Mexico Magazine Salsa Contest

495 Old Santa F e Trail

Santa Fe, NM 87501

For more information contact Ashley Biggers, New Mexico Magazine associate editor, abiggers@nmmagazine.com or 505-476-0223