By John Tredrea, Special Writer
FLEMINGTON — It’s still winter and still a mild one.
Knock on wood, unless you like real cold and/or real snowy winters.
Sometimes we miss the snow. A big snowfall is great for sledding. Then there’s ice skating on a lake, or even better yet, up or down a stream.
But even in mild winters, like this one, enjoying some good soup can be the ultimate treat for many, especially if it is combined with socializing and, at the same time, helping those aren’t getting enough to eat.
In short, now comes an excellent time to attend a groovy philanthropic event: “Best Soup in Hunterdon.”
The Rotary Clubs of Hunterdon County organize the annual Hunterdon County Rotary Soup Cook-Off every year in February at Hunterdon Central Regional High School Commons, 29 Junction Road, Flemington.
This year’s soup cook-off will be held Feb. 27 from 4:30-7 p.m. A snow date, if necessary, has been scheduled for Feb. 28.
Twenty professional chefs are expected to enter their favorite soups, competing for a “Best Soup in Hunterdon County” trophy (The SOUPER Bowl).
”This trophy is like the ‘Stanley Cup’ of hockey, passed on from year to year,” a spokesperson for the event said. “There will be second and third place awards, as well.”
Soup-lovers from all over the county are invited to taste sample-size cups of any and all soups for admission of $10 and a can of food for the food pantry. Admission for children from 5 to 8 is $5. For those under 5, the event is free.
The soups will be accompanied by bread and desserts, prepared by Hunterdon County Polytech Culinary Arts students. Beverages also will be available.
All tasters will be asked to vote for their favorite soup and winners will be announced at the end of the event.
There is no entry fee for chefs.
Soups (10 gallons requested) must be fully prepared when brought to the Commons at HCRHS. Each soup must be labeled with the chef’s (restaurant) name and contact information.
Chefs will be responsible for presentation and equipment needed to keep the soup ready to serve.
Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to 20 professional contestants.
The Hunterdon County Rotary Soup Cook-Off is a community awareness project of the Rotary Clubs of Flemington, North Hunterdon, Lambertville-New Hope and Whitehouse. These are service clubs dedicated to helping people in the community and throughout the world. The event also recognizes International Rotary Day.
All cook-off proceeds will be donated to the five food banks in Hunterdon County communities. Nearly $10,000 was donated as a result of the 2011 event.
ShopRite of Hunterdon is the event’s sponsor.
Bon appetit!

