Sandia Park woman to compete in Pillsbury Bake-Off

Who wouldn't want to meet that cute little Pillsbury Dough Boy? Oh, and there is the matter of a million dollar prize, too.

Who wouldn't want to meet that cute little Pillsbury Dough Boy? Oh, and there is the matter of a million dollar prize, too.

The first part: doubtful. The second part, Ann Hillmeyer has a shot at, with her Pillsbury Bake-Off entry of Spanakopita-Style Brunch Squares with Spicy Apricot Sauce. Spanakopita is a traditional Greek spinach pie.

Hillmeyer, who said she's been cooking all her life, has entered cooking contests before, but, she said, "everybody wants to go to Pillsbury."

Apparently, Hillmeyer is right — she said that tens of thousands of recipes were submitted to the contest.

The challenge begins with contestants submitting recipes online. According to the Pillbury website, "taste, appearance, creativity and how it will appeal to families across America," were the criteria judges were looking for. Contestants also had to use two or more different "eligible" products from a list, and make sure the recipe fit into one of four categories — Hillmeyer's recipe fits into the "breakfast and brunch" category.

Pillsbury holds its bake-off every other year. The last contest in 2010 featured another East Mountains resident representing New Mexico.

Her efforts so far have already gotten her a $125 Visa gift card, a microwave, and an expenses-paid trip to the finals in Orlando at the end of March.

There, she and 99 other contestants will make their dishes for their shot at the grand prize. Contestants are given four hours to prepare their recipe at least three times. Then, they choose their best of the three to be judged.

Of course, Hillmeyer has already put some thought into where that prize money will go.

"First of all, God … our kids, family and friends. If there's some left over for us, we have our 'dating car,' that's been in the family since it was new — a '53 Mercury. I'd like to have my husband get chrome for it," said Hillmeyer.

Even if she doesn't win, Hillmeyer seems happy just to be a part of the contest.

"The whole experience is fabulous. It's a winner, anyway," Hillmeyer said.

To get Hillmeyer's recipe or learn more about the bake-off, go to pillsbury.com. Hillmeyer will also be on New Mexico Style on KASA Fox 2 on Jan. 27.