Attention Chefs and Home Cooks: ‘Calling All Contestants’ Is For You

Ever dream of winning some pocket cash (or more) with one of your original recipes for a dish that knocks the pants off people? Such prize money can be yours with the help of a website named Calling All Contestants.

Dallas resident Kim McKee launched the site a few years ago as a resource for those interested in cake competitions. She landed on the idea after a friend with a knack for baking complained she couldn’t find any contests to enter.

But McKee soon felt the site lacked depth. So she opened it up to contests geared to all types of dishes as well as barbecue, wine, spirits, craft beer and even for recipes involving cannabis.

“I work on the site every single day,” said McKee, pointing out that visitors can now find between 150 to 200 listings for contest opportunities. All of them are ranked chronologically by their entry deadlines. For listings that drop off the queue after their deadlines pass, visitors can look back at them by using the search field.

McKee started expanding recently on a “miscellaneous” category, which opens the playing field for things like mustard, olive oil, and vinegar—and culinary uses for cannabis. In addition, there is a category that allows individuals and businesses to create contests and cook-offs directly on the site, which McKee publishes after vetting them.

All of the site’s listings are thorough, with each mapping out rules, entry fees, deadlines, and prizes.

Some are mom-and-pop operated. Others are well-known, such as the long-established Pillsbury Bake-Off, which awards the top winner $50,000 plus kitchen appliances. McKee noted that Pillsbury hasn’t held the contest since 2019, but expects to see it rebooted sometime this year.

Another big hitter is the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest, held annually in the summer. Conjure up a jazzy burger that pairs well to a specific Sutter Home wine, and $30,000 could be yours.

Backed by five support staffers, McKee’s effort to guide contestants through their competitive journeys is never-ending. “I add new listings all the time. We’re also currently working on enhancing some of the website’s functions,” she added.

When asked if she enters any of the contests, she quipped: “I know my way around the kitchen, but I am not competition material.”