Deadline to apply is August 28, 2026
There are a limited number of spots for each catergory. Once you are selected to participate you will be contacted and the entry fee of $30.00 must be paid by phone (3% service fee), mailed, brought to the Chamber Office or at the registration table on the moring of then contest. .
906 W. Main Street
Crisfield, MD 21817
410-968-2500
Office@crisfieldchamberofcommerce.com
www.crisfieldchamber.org
2026 Official Cooking Contest Rules
1. Recipes must be original and never published in any public forum.
2. Maryland Blue Crab Meat must be the predominant ingredient in the recipe. Additional components such as seasoning, vegetables, or cheese should enhance rather than obscure the flavor and texture of the crab meat.
3. The recipe's title must not contain a person's name or other identifying information.
4. Entrants must provide all recipe ingredients as well as mixing bowls and cooking utensils. The National Hard Crab Derby will supply 1 pound of fresh Maryland Blue Crab Meat.
5. An entrant may submit a recipe in two of the four divisions: Main Dish, Crab Cakes, Appetizers, and Soup/Salad. If space permits, the contestant will be allowed to prepare both recipes.
6. Each round of cooking begins on the hour. Entrants will have one hour to prepare and cook their dish and clean-up their area. If entrants go over the hour limit, they risk disqualification.
7. Entrants are encouraged to prep the ingredients at home. Prepping may include washing, chopping, slicing, measuring, etc. However, the recipe must be prepared and cooked on site.
8. An entrant may have one helper to assist in setting up the work area and cleaning up after cooking. No other persons are allowed in the cooking area.
9. A copy of the recipe, including a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, must be submitted along with the application. Please include your name and the appropriate cooking division on the recipe.
10. Entrants must submit applications and recipes on or before Friday, August 28, 2026. If there are more entries in each category than can be accommodated, entrants will be chosen according to certain criteria at the discretion of the cooking contest committee (for instance: date of applications). Please send in applications early.
11. Participants will be notified via phone or email that their recipes were selected. Entrants can then pay the entry fee of $30.00 per recipe by phone, mail, at the chamber office or registration table on the morning of the contest.
12. Entries are judged on the following: appropriate use of crab meat, appearance, flavor, originality, texture, clear directions, and ease of preparation for a home cook. Entrants should also consider how to best present their dish.
13. Recipe entries constitute permission to edit, modify, adapt, publish, promote, and otherwise use the recipe in any way without additional compensation.