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Peter Bliven, Lindstrom, age 13, was awarded "Spam Kid Chef of the Year" at the Minnesota State Fair. His sister, Emma, 10, took second place. Peter was awarded $150 and Emma $50. They both received a rosette ribbon, apron and chef's hat.

Fox 9 Morning News featured the Bliven siblings who were interviewed by anchor Tom Butler. The brother-sister duo (along with third place winner Mikaela Cashman of West St. Paul) described their recipes and thoughts about SPAM. Peter said he had it for dinner the previous night and Emma says she eats it a lot. When Tom Butler tried Peter's dish, he handed the microphone to Peter and Peter told him you'll love it. Tom said, "I don't need any convincing, it's Spamliscious."

The first three places from each of the 14 nation-wide contests compete for the national prize of $2,000. Former national adult winner Faith Farrell was a graduate of Chisago Lakes and hope they can continue in her footsteps. The Blivens think it would be cool to win nationals and "maybe" appear on Letterman or Rachel Ray's cooking show.

Peter has previously been the winner of the Spam State Fair Contest and third place winner twice and sister Emma has also been the winner and also a second place winner.

Kids, ages 7 to 17, are invited to enter their favorite SPAM recipes. Kid Chef of the Year entrants are judged on the recipe's taste, presentation and originality.

PETER BLIVEN'S

GOLDEN SPAM SURPRISE

12 oz. SPAM Classic

8 oz refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

8 oz. provolone cheese

2/3 c. prepared white sauce (Ragu, Parmesan & Mozzarella works well)

1 egg, beaten

1 t. rosemary leaves

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Separate dough into four rectangles onto cookie sheet. Press perforations together. Dice and lightly brown the SPAM. Add spam to diced provolone cheese and Ragu sauce. Put 1/2 cup onto center of pastry rectangles. Fold up the long sides so they are even with the top of the Spam mixture. Fold the short ends up and over until you have a small square at the top. Seal all sides. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle on rosemary and parmesan. Bake for about 22 minutes or until golden brown.

Statement:

"I crave SPAM and like almost anything made with it. I know I need protein while in sports and SPAM hits the spot. I think kids will love this recipe, because it has everything they like -- flaky crust, cheese and SPAM!"

EMMA BLIVEN'S

SPAMISH CHEESY BAKE

12 oz. can SPAM Classic (diced)

2 beaten eggs

1-1/2 c. crushed cornflakes

Lipton Fiesta Sides Spanish Rice (2-1/2 c. prepared) or other varieties

3/4 lb. cheddar cheese

1 c. sour cream

1/4 t. cumin

1/2 t. garlic powder

Dice the SPAM and mix with eggs and cornflakes. Pat on bottom of 9x12 inch baking dish. Spread 1-1/4 c. of Spanish rice on the SPAM layer. Slice 1/2 lb. of cheese in strips and lay on rice. Mix the sour cream and spices. Spread this on the cheese slices. Add remaining rice. Cook, uncovered in 325 degree oven until bubbly, about 30 minutes.

*Grate remaining cheese, put on top and return to oven until it melts.

Statement:

"I love SPAM and will continue to be a "ham" when it comes to SPAM. I like to eat SPAM right from the can, but my family likes it fried. This took many trials and I finally got what I wanted. A kid friendly meal with a Spanish or what I like to say "SPAMish" twist.

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