The choice is yours

Speaking of elections (weren't we?) here's one of the more palatable votes to consider casting. The Pillsbury Campaign for a Sweeter America earlier this year sought nominations for the nation's favorite dessert. Now, it's down to this: cake or brownies. Cake got the nod for its time-honored role in celebrations, while brownies are considered decadent and irresistible. Online voters may vote at www.pillsburybaking.com/campaign. America's favorite dessert will be announced Oct. 20. And, of course, once you vote, you're then offered the opportunity to sign up for free newsletters, cookbooks and bumper stickers. Can we make America sweeter? Yes, we can.

Cookbook icon Ina Garten is to appear from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at Borders in Rosedale Center, Roseville, to sign her latest book, "The Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics." Basics? Well, perhaps better than basics. As she states: "When I talk about getting back to basics, I'm not talking about simple mashed potatoes or a plain roast chicken. What truly fires my imagination is taking ordinary ingredients and cooking them -- or pairing them -- in a way that 'unlocks' their true flavors."

To commemorate 40 years in business, Cub Foods will award scholarships of $1,000 each to 40 high school seniors who are continuing their educations. Applicants must live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa or Illinois, have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, show dedication in the classroom, provide service to their community and participate in extracurricular activities. Online-only applications are at www.cub.com and will be accepted from Nov. 15 through March 2009. Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America, will review all submitted applications.

Maple Grove's Jamie Miller is one of five national finalists in the 18th Annual Sutter Home Build a Better Burger National Recipe Contest and Cook-Off. On Sept. 27, she'll be in Northern California's Napa Valley to prepare her entry, hoping to be the grand-prize winner who will take home $50,000. Her recipe for Smoky Sweet Bacon Burgers With Crisp Apple & Blue Cheese Slaw was one of about 9,000 recipes received. Past winning recipes are at www. buildabetterburger.com

KIM ODE