Old-school cooking

Baby boomers and budding young chefs alike will love the retro-cool reissue of “Betty Crocker’s Cook Book for Boys and Girls,” first published nearly 50 years ago. It features such tasty treats as Ice Cream Cone Cakes, Pigs In Blankets, and Raggedy Ann Salad, as well as no-cook recipes so that kids can create their own culinary masterpieces without the help (or supervision) of mom and dad. The book costs $16.95 and is available now in bookstores or online at www.amazon.com.

Mama’s joy

Are your enchiladas so good they bring tears to your mother’s eyes? Submit the recipe, or any Mexican-style dish to Ortega’s “Mama Would Be Proud” recipe contest. The grand-prize winner will receive a new dining room set, a year’s supply of Ortega products, and $1,000 in redecorating money. To enter, submit an original recipe for a meal, side dish or appetizer that contains one or more of the following Ortega ingredients: 1/2 cup salsa, a packet of seasoning mix, 1/2 cup whole or diced green chilies, or 1/2 cup taco sauce. For more information, visit www.ortega.com a or mail an entry to: Ortega “Mama Would Be Proud” Recipe Contest, P.O. Box 19680, Seattle, WA 98109-1680. Entries must be received by Nov. 30.

Harvest happening

The folks at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland know that farm-fresh produce can elevate food to an art form, so they’re looking for farmers to participate in their community-wide Harvest Day Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 18. If you’re a farmer who has seasonal products to offer, contact Niki Dabrio Wall at 596-6457, Ext. 143 for more information.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.