Eclectic types tend to keep their fingers in a lot of pies…and cakes. This blog, of course, being no exception. That’s why Eclectique916.com is helping the “Makes-Me-Wanna SHOUT! Chocolate Layer Cake Baking Challenge get the word out that the contest is looking for contestants with a passion for baking, age 18 years and up, and residing in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region to compete in the 2012 contest and support the work of Martha’s Table, the 2012 beneficiary. The contest is presented with Eatonville Restaurant, the Zora Neale Hurston-themed sophisticated Southern food sister to the Langston Hughes Busboys and Poets hangout in Washington, DC.

Entry forms are due February 1, 2012.

(Mailed entries must be postmarked February 1, 2012 and received by February 4, 2012 – P.O. Box 21204, Washington, DC 20009) That’s pretty soon, but the process is simple.

Got a chocolate layer cake recipe (like German Chocolate, Devil’s Food…anything with chocolate cocoa in the batter)? Just jot it down on the entry form after filling out all the contact information, tell the story of the cake (what inspired the recipe, who laps it up, who shouts about it etc.), check the signature box, and click the SUBMIT button. That’s it. No entry fee. No purchase required. No baking…at least not yet.

Up to 15 entries will be selected for the semifinals and judging event with special guest judges (cookbook authors, food professionals) March 24, 2012 at Martha’s Table. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Martha’s Table (www.marthastable.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in the DC community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing and enrichment opportunities.

Five finalists go to the Final Five in April for a chance to win the first prize.

First prize: $500 + your winning cake on the Eatonville Restaurant dessert menu (the 2011 winner is still a best seller), and a $250 gift card from King Arthur Flour, one of several sponsors of the contest. The winner also gets the fame that comes from being #1! Read about Decoyise “Dee” Brown, the winner of the 2011 challenge in the Washington Post. Dee will be on the noon newscast of local CBS affiliate WUSA9 Friday, January 27 interviewed by J.C. Hayward.

For more information visit www.shoutbakingchallenge.com, email contest[at]shoutbakingchallenge[dot]com or call 202-939-0794.

You can also download and print a contest brochure (2 pdf docs) from these links and give it to a friend:
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Inside/Entry Form