In a Washington County version of "Iron Chef America," appropriately titled the Men's Culinary Classic, local amateur chefs will test their prowess in the kitchen and maybe go home with a prize for their efforts.

Last year, the first classic, held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Chartiers, drew 27 entrants who vied for the People's Choice Award. This year, the fund-raiser for Community Action Southwest, scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. April 21, is expected to draw more chef wannabees.

	John Heller, Post-Gazette Dave DeLuca, left, and William Beale work in Mr. Beale's kitchen in Peters refining their recipe for the upcoming Men's Culinary Classic. Click photo for larger image.

"Our entrants came up with a wide variety of foods -- everything from buffalo chicken dip ... [to] maple kielbasa, Greek lasagna and cookie dough brownies," said Andrea Kelvington, Community Action community coordinator.

Although there is no registration fee, amateur chefs must provide the ingredients for 100 to 150 sample-size portions that will be tasted and voted on by those attending the event. Community Action will provide all the equipment, but the chefs have to bring a serving utensil and a crock pot or chafing dish to keep everything warm.

The food must be prepared beforehand, but finishing touches can be added later on. For voting, Community Action will prepare ballots in four categories -- soup/chili, appetizer/entree, dessert, and best decorated booth.

"Patrons are allowed one vote per category, and the tabulation takes place the same evening," said Ms. Kelvington. "The winner will take home a 12-inch All-Clad skillet engraved with the CASW logo and the words Peoples Choice Award."

Last year's winner, the Rev. George Moneck, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas parish in California, won for his chicken Parmesan on penne pasta. A community representative for Community Action, Father Moneck said he cooks at home and saw duty in the kitchen while in college and the seminary.

"Chicken parm is one of my favorite dishes," he said. "I used chicken tenders and a homemade sauce recipe I got from my mother and grandmother that I intend to keep a secret."

Father Moneck is sitting out this year's competition because he's recovering from surgery. He is, however, thinking about next year, even though he may have a hard time topping his prize-winning dish.

"I had a great time and had a lot of parishioners come in for the event," he said. "The penance I gave them at confession that day is that they had to come in and vote for me," he added jokingly.

In Peters, amateur chefs William Beale and teammate David DeLuca have been pondering what dish to make. Last year they made stuffed jalapeno peppers, which came in among the top 10 entries.

"Because it's a competitive cook-off, we don't want to give away beforehand what we intend to prepare this time around," said Mr. Beale. "I can say that we've been tinkering with the idea of reprising the jalapeno peppers but with a couple of ideas that may enhance the dish.

Mr. Beale's wife, Liza, a Community Action board member, encouraged her husband to participate. He likes to cook but doesn't get much time in the kitchen because he works long hours as a 401k consultant.

"Competing with Dave as a team has its pluses and minuses," said Mr. Beale. "There's less difficulty pulling everything together because there are more hands on the job. But it's more difficult getting together ... it's hard to find time when we're both free."

To compete or for more information, call 724-225-9550, ext. 404. General admission is $5, and separate food tickets can be purchased to sample the competing dishes.