s, took first prize among more than 700 entries for the inaugural “My Fresh Twist” recipe contest sponsored by John B. Sanfillipo & Son Inc.The Elgin, Ill.-based company, which markets Fisher brand nuts, awarded McLain a trip for two to New York to meet Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and a $500 cash prize for her Walnut-Bleu Date Vinaigrette Salad.
Fans voted to select the top 10 finalists, and a winner was chosen among a panel of judges, including Guarnaschelli, according to a news release.
“This salad is deceptively simple,” she said, in a news release. “It’s really built around the walnuts instead of just having walnuts in it. The pureed dates in the dressing are a brilliant way to add body and some deep, dried fruit sweetness to a salad dressing.”
The other nine finalists received a $100 Visa gift card.
