So you think you can cook?

I can't, and I know it. But does that qualify me for world renown? Maybe, if I gather my gumption and enter the American Egg Board's second annual search for the Worst Cook in America.

Why the American Egg Board is hosting such a contest perplexes me a bit. I mean, for those of us who are challenged in the culinary arts, eggs are relatively forgiving fare. Even I can make scrambled eggs. I can make an omelet. I've even taught myself how to make a decent Tortilla Espanola (although it took many tries).
Anything beyond that, though, is generally a wash.

I guess the point is that eggs ARE easy, and an economical source of protein as well. But a contest? Given the country's love-affair with the Food Network and its many "competitions" (Iron-Chef comes to mind), a contest could appear to be the best way to generate some real buzz about your product.

Bad home cooks can visit the American Egg Board's contest website and tell the group, in 200 words or less, why they think they're deserving of the Worst Cook in America moniker. Oh, and send in either a photograph or a video of your purported incompetence.

That may pose a problem for some. As someone who's a miserable wretch in the kitchen, I can say that the reasons I suck in the kitchen (no focus, inability to follow simple directions, terminal distractions) are the same skill sets that tend to foil budding film makers. But go ahead and try. If you think you have the right stuff.

Did I mention you can nominate people for this contest as well? Now that would make an interesting Mother's Day present.

The winner will be featured in an advertisement for the American Egg Board, and also a trip for two to New York City to take cooking class. The contest runs from April 29 through June 30, 2008.

Ready to don the apron and be America's Worst Cook? Good luck!