NY Mother of 6 Proclaimed Grand Champion in the National Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 28, 2008) — Joy Devor, mother of six from Far Rockaway, NY, was named Grand Champion of the 2nd Annual Simply Manischewitz LIVE Cook-Off at the New York Marriott Downtown-Financial District. Her Fantastic Flounder Rolls topped 5 other award-winning recipes and allowed Joy to take home the $25,000 grand prize package that includes a GE Profile kitchen, cash and more.

The one-hour, LIVE timed cooking event was hosted by David Rosengarten, one of the world’s foremost authorities on food, wine and cooking. Perhaps best known for his popular TV programs on The Food Network, Rosengarten is also the author of several award-winning cookbooks. He was joined by an esteemed panel of judges that included nationally recognized food media, celebrity chefs and award-winning authors.

The National Finals of the Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off was hosted in cooperation with GE which provided ovens and technical support as well as the grand prize package. In addition, Mayor Bloomberg supported the event with an official statement. The National Finals are the culmination of three LIVE regional competitions which were held in Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Ten participants were invited to participate in one of the regional cook-offs after their recipes were selected from over 3,000 entries nationwide. The Six Finalists – two from each regional market prepared their winning Kosher recipes that were required to include at least one Manischewitz product.

Jewish Kosher cooking is one of today’s hottest food trends and its consumer base transcends religious, cultural and gender stereotypes. This year’s finalists included three men and three women, only half of whom observe Kosher dietary laws at home. The contestants reflect a diversified background. Their professional and personal endeavors include that of a prominent cardiologist – Chief of Staff at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Financial Services Manager for the City of Livermore, California, a PhD Senior Scientist at Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, a food blogger, office manager and mother of six.

"The competition was extremely stiff, and the scoring very tight, but Joy Devor’s Flounder Rolls consistently scored near the top to take home the grand prize for best overall recipe," said David Rossi, Vice President of Marketing for the R.A.B. Food Group. "Her recipe is Kosher for Passover, but is also a delicious dish that can also be served everyday."

The diversity of the finalists and the esteemed judging panel speaks to the fact that Manischewitz, with its wide range of products and nearly 120 year history, has become more mainstream with consumers. More and more people choose Manischewitz products because of their superior quality, convenience, diversity and taste.

The six semifinalists and their recipes included:

• Joy Devor, Far Rockaway, NY, Fantastic Flounder Rolls – mother of six
• Joe Carver, Philadelphia, PA, Falafel Pizza – Chief of Staff, Abramson Cancer Center – University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, TX, Chicken in Balsamic Cherry Sauce – PhD Senior Scientist, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals
• Julie Hession, Las Vegas, NV, Beef Tenderloin with Marsala Mushroom Sauce – Food Blogger
• Evan Levy, Danville, CA, Southwestern Potato Kugel – Financial Services Manager for the City of Livermore, California
• Tracy Rapp, Memphis, TN, Southern Smothered Burgers – Office Manager

• Chef Armand Vanderstigchel, author of Wings Across America and restaurant owner
• Adeena Sussman, renowned food writer, recipe developer and cooking instructor
• Lisa Alcalay Klug, journalist/ author of the Cool Jew: The Ultimate Guide for Every Member of the Tribe
• Chef Achilles Poliviou, Chef and Food Service Director of the NYC Marriott Downtown-Financial District
• Conn Patrick Jackson, host of the Conn Jackson Show/Café Central TV
• Candace McMenami n- The 2007 Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off Winner and Finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off
• Jacob Rusanov, Wakefern Kosher Marketing Manager, oversees 200 Shop-Rite Supermarkets in the Northeast.