Local Ladle Community Cook-off

Join us for a soul-warming Community Cook-off at Mount Hope Farm Farmers Market, co-hosted by Rely on Rach. The winner earns a Farmers Market gift certificate, bragging rights, and their recipe featured on our community cookbook's cover, professionally styled and photographed by Rely on Rach and the grand prize: a fall mini photo shoot with Rach at Mount Hope Farm for you or your business. How It Works: Your Guide to the Mount Hope Soup-Off 🍲🌟 

Contestants will whip up delicious homemade soups, stews and chilis (at home) using at least two fresh Mount Hope Farmers Market ingredients, showcasing their culinary creativity. Our panel of local judges, including familiar faces and business owners (to be announced - stay tuned), will evaluate soups based on presentation, use of market ingredients, and overall deliciousness.

Don't want to compete?  Come join the fun anyway.  Make a donation to the East Bay Food Pantry and Enjoy a cup of Newport Chowder Co Clam Chowder!

Guidelines and Rules:

Before the Event

Market Must-Haves: Every soup must include at least two ingredients from Mount Hope Farmers Market.

Recipe Submission: To be eligible for judging and a chance to be featured in our community cookbook submit your full recipe here by October 16, 2023

Prepare Your Soup At Home: we will heat it up at the market!

The Play by Play:

Step 1: Shop Local

Hit up Mount Hope Farmers Market on a Saturday before the event. Select at least two fresh, local ingredients to be the stars of your soup.

Step 2: Recipe Submission 

Cook your masterpiece at home and jot down your recipe. Submit it to us online ahead of time so we can start stirring the excitement! Remember your recipe will be rated on presentation, use of market ingredients, and overall deliciousness.

Step 3: Cook at Home 

Prepare your soup at home, adding your personal flair and creativity. Make sure it's good to go for event day!

Step 4: Presentation Matters 

Pack up your prepared soup and your own bowl for reheating. Don't forget the garnishes that make it uniquely yours! Bonus points if your bowl adds to the overall presentation.

Step 5: The Main Event  

Arrive at Mount Hope Farm with your prepared soup and serving dish. We'll have a station for reheating and garnishing. You'll plate one dish for the judges and serve up small tastings for the audience.

Step 6: Tell Your Story  

Share the inspiration behind your soup, highlighting the ingredients you chose and your overall concept. Our judges are all ears (and taste buds)!

Step 7: Celebrate & Connect 

Stick around to find out if you've won, but remember: we're all winners when we gather as a community over good food and even better company!

YOU ARE WELCOME HERE

Rely on Rach and our affiliated events stand firmly against racism, homophobia, and transphobia and are committed to fostering an inclusive space for everyone. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a supportive environment that values and respects each person's identity. We firmly believe that unity is built through understanding, empathy, and shared experiences. Racism, homophobia, and transphobia will not be tolerated in any capacity at our events, and we encourage open dialogue, learning, and growth as we work together to dismantle systemic barriers and create a truly inclusive community.

FAQ's

I'm unable to shop on Saturdays but wish I could participate.

No problem! Put together your list and email it to relyonrach.com and Rachel will shop for you.  We can arrange for you to pick it up or have it dropped to you.

I'm experiencing financial hardship but wish I could participate.

Please email rachel@relyonrach.com the recipe you would like to prepare so you can be included in the cook-off.