Now through March 23, Lactalis Foodservice is encouraging students and chefs nationwide to showcase their culinary skills and submit their best Galbani Mozzarella caprese salad recipe.

Each of the nation’s four ACF regions will hold a regional competition, open to both ACF members and non-members, to determine the four chefs who will compete against each other on a national level at the 2012 ACF National Convention held July 14, 2012, in Orlando.

The Galbani Mozzarella Caprese Challenge national grand prize winner will receive a $7,500 kitchen equipment package; the second place national winner will receive an exclusive cheese-making course with Three Shepherds Farm at the Inn at Round Barn in Vermont.

Galbani Mozzarella Caprese Challenge contestants will be faced with an unusual obstacle: they are not allowed to use fresh tomatoes in their caprese salad culinary creations. The winning recipe will be judged by Lactalis Foodservice on originality, clarity and format, ingredients and cooking methods, main dish tableside cooking techniques, and creative presentation.

Entries should be submitted in a standard recipe format and include all ingredients and method of preparation to CapreseChallenge.com. The recipes must incorporate Galbani Fresh Mozzarella, must be applicable to tableside-style preparation and cooking techniques, and must not exceed 20 minutes of preparation.