Think Big

Kickin Kat Hot Sauce, courtesy Cleveland Culinary Launch & Kitchen

The Northeast Ohio Food Contest kicks off this month, offering local food entrepreneurs the chance to take their recipes for mustard, dressing, hot sauce, trail mix and more to the next level. The contest is sponsored by Toledo-based Center for Innovative Food Technology, with assistance from the Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen, which we told you about last spring.

Applications are due Feb. 21. One winner will receive year-long marketing and production advice and support for their recipe or product. Other prizes include nutritional analysis and testing for shelf life and stability and free training seminars.

Samples of the judges' pick will be manufactured in either the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen in Bowling Green or the Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen.

For more information, call 419-535-6000, ext. 117.

Clark Pope Catering's courtesy Cleveland Culinary Launch & Kitchen Strawberry Balsamic Sauce,