Spanish-Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich
with Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping
(Hot Sandwich)
About the winners - $25,000 Grand Prize Winner ~ Hot Sandwich
Edwina Gadsby
Spanish-Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping (Hot Sandwich)
How did you feel when you found out you won the contest?
[Edwina:] Shock and disbelief!
How did you come up with the idea for the winning sandwich?
Spend a winter in Montana and you'll see why I tend to gravitate to "sunny" cuisines. I've recently discovered the foods of Spain, and have fallen in love with their bold fresh taste. I thought using Mezzetta products with a Spanish twist resulted in a striking combination of flavors.
Have you ever won a cooking contest before?
Yes. I stumbled upon recipe contesting about ten years ago, and have won many over that time. My husband also caught the bug and is "prize winning" cook in his own right.
Why do you think gourmet sandwiches are becoming such a trend?
Gourmet sandwiches are comfort food at its best. Unlike so many other "gourmet" meals there is no intimidation factor when it comes to sandwiches. The only limit to the combinations you can come up with is your imagination.
How long have you been using Mezzetta products?
I have been using Mezzetta products for at least ten years. I first discovered Mezzetta Roasted Red Peppers, and I've been buying them, along with many other Mezzetta products ever since.
Where do you shop for Mezzetta products?
Mezzetta is widely available in Great Falls... IGA, Smith's and Albertson's are some of the places I shop.
Any plans yet for the prize money?
We are in the process of redecorating our living room and the timing of this could not be better!
Are you excited to be returning to visit Napa Valley? How long as it been? What are your favorite wineries or restaurants to visit there?
YES! Napa Valley is one of our favorite places on the planet! It has been about 5 years since our last visit (can't believe it has been that long!). There are so many fantastic wineries and restaurants; each time we visit we try to seek out new ones. Some of our favorite wineries are Sutter Home (Trinchero), Kendall Jackson and Truchard. As for restaurants, Mustards Grill, Tra Vigne, the CIA Graystone, The Napa Valley Grill and the Napa Valley Wine Train (I remember a particularly romantic dinner in the Champagne Vista Dome)...am I rambling here?
Biographical Info
Age? (You can make this an approximation!)
49 and holding!
Profession?
Former Accountant, homemaker and amateur foodie.
Married? Children? Pets? Names?
Married to Bob for almost 20 years. No children, but the proud parents of an incredibly spoiled chocolate lab, named Beau.
How long a resident of Great Falls?
We have been in Great Falls for 14 years and are formerly from San Diego.
Other hobbies, passions, pastimes?
Theatre, the arts, crafts of all kinds...a regular Renaissance woman! (And of course, my greatest passion...my husband Bob!)
Anything else you would like to add?
I've been contesting for over 10 years and this is by far my BEST win ever... Napa Valley and $25,000, it doesn't get any better than that!