6th Annual
Saint Urho's Day Mojakka Cook-Off

Sunday, March 16, 2008
Northeastern Hotel, Cloquet, Minnesota

Entry Requirements:

Entry form must be filled out and returned by 10:00 pm, Friday, March 12, 2010. Later entries, including on the day of the event, may be accepted only at the discretion of the organizers. There is no entry fee, though a contribution to the American Cancer Society is welcome.

CATEGORIES: Because there are many varieties of Mojakka, please list the primary ingredients. There are three categories for judging:

• Fish (kalamojakka)
• Beef (lihamojakka)
• Potluck (pork, chicken, venison, etc.).

Also, we would like a brief description of how you came about this particular recipe: Was it handed down from a relative or friend? Did it come from a cook book or web site? Have you modified a recipe to suit your or your family's tastes?

PREPARATION AND SERVING: All food must be prepared in a non-licensed kitchen (in accordance with Minnesota statute, sec. 157.22, regarding Potluck Events). Contestants must provide a minimum of 2.5 gallons (10 quarts) of mojakka, though you are encouraged to prepare more (up to six gallons). One quart will be reserved for judging, the remainder will be available for tasting by the public.

Contestants must provide their own heated serving kettle (Roasting pan, Crockpot, etc.) and a 12-foot extension cord, as well as ladles, aprons and any other equipment directly related to serving food. Organizers will provide the tables and electricity, as well as bowls, spoons and napkins.

Soup should be maintained at a temperature of no less than 165 degrees F. This is hot enough to kill any bacteria, according to government recommendations. (Note: An inexpensive styrofoam cooler lined with a food-grade plastic bag makes an excellent container for keeping mojakka hot.)

Side dishes, such as flat bread, are optional. Side dishes may only be served to the public and will not be a part of the judging.

REGISTRATION: Registration at the event will open at 11:30 AM on Sunday, March 14, 2010, at the Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Finland. No entries will be accepted after 12:00 noon. All contestants must be set up before judging begins. Judging and tasting will commence at 12:30 PM.

JUDGING: The Official Judges are generally, though not all, amateurs at evaluating food. Expect their choices to be subjective. The decision of the judges is final. Remember that the primary objective is to have fun.

In addition to the Official Judging, there will be an award for "People's Choice" based on a vote by those in attendance. Awards will be announced at 3:00 PM.

DISPLAY: You are encouraged to decorate your serving area appropriate to the occasion. There will not be a trophy awarded, but we would like to gauge interest in a Best Display Award for future Mojakka Cook-Offs.

TROPHIES: Trophies will be awarded in the following categories:

Mojakka Cook-Off / Potluck

The Mojakka Cook-Off is called a "potluck" in order to comply with Minnesota statutes regarding the serving of food to the public. Potluck events are exempt from licensing and inspection under Minnesota law. The section of the law exempting potluck events is printed below.

We ask that every effort be made by those providing mojakka for the cook-off to maintain their soup at a temperature of no less than 165 degrees F. This is hot enough to kill any bacteria, according to government recommendations.

CHAPTER 157
FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS

157.22 Exemptions.

(8) food not prepared at an establishment and brought in by individuals attending a potluck event for consumption at the potluck event. An organization sponsoring a potluck event under this clause may advertise the potluck event to the public through any means. Individuals who are not members of an organization sponsoring a potluck event under this clause may attend the potluck event and consume the food at the event. Licensed food establishments other than schools cannot be sponsors of potluck events. A school may sponsor and hold potluck events in areas of the school other than the school's kitchen, provided that the school's kitchen is not used in any manner for the potluck event. For purposes of this clause, "school" means a public school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, 13, and 17, or a nonpublic school, church, or religious organization at which a child is provided with instruction in compliance with sections 120A.22 and 120A.24. Potluck event food shall not be brought into a licensed food establishment kitchen.

Copyright 2004 by the Office of Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota.