In honor of their commitment to preserve the celebration of all Southern food, Martha White, Memphis, Tenn., and Lodge Cast Iron, South Pittsburg, are searching the nation for the best original main dish cornbread recipes in the 17th Annual National Cornbread Cook-Off.

Now through Feb. 28, fans can submit an original main-dish recipe prepared with at least one package of Martha White Cornbread Mix and cooked in Lodge Cast Iron cookware. Ten finalists will be selected to prepare their original creations for judging by a panel of food experts on April 27 during the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tenn.

Along with the cast iron skillet crown, the cook-off champion will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a 30-inch stainless steel gas range (a $3,250 value) from FiveStar Professional Cooking Equipment, a division of Brown Stove Works Inc., and special gifts from Martha White and Lodge Cast Iron.

The second prize winner will receive $1,500, and the third prize winner will receive $1,000. The remaining seven finalists will walk away with $150. All finalists will receive a $500 travel reimbursement and a gift basket courtesy of Martha White and Lodge Cast Iron.

“Over the last 16 years, thousands of entries have shown us a variety of cooking styles providing endless cornbread possibilities,” says Martha White baking expert Linda Carman. “Our cornbread mixes are so versatile; just look at how many recipes can be created, simply by using cornbread!”

For complete details, official rules and a contest entry form, visit www.MarthaWhite.com.