It's County Fair time once again! And that means (fried) food of all sorts, as well as cooking contests galore. Here's the roundup. For details and dates on all contests, call the Fair entry office at (858) 755-1161:

Great American Spam Championship: Combine Spam (any variety) with up to nine other ingredients and deliver it to the fair for judging. Two sets of prizes will be awarded (adults and youth) paying $150 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. Two grand prize winning recipes will be chosen next year from recipes entered at 40 host state and county fairs and one National Grand Spam Champion will win $3,000.

Family Friendly Food Contest: The makers of Hidden Valley Dressing are sponsoring this one. "Everyday cooks" are asked for their homemade recipes in appetizer, casserole, sizzling stir-fry or other creation that includes the flavor of Hidden Valley The Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix. Open to cooks 18 and older. First place nets a $200 cash award, souvenirs, and a shot at a $1,000 grand prize.

Great Baking Bonanza: Use a can of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk in this dessert contest, plus no more than 10 ingredients, to win $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third. Best entry from a youth (15 and under) wins $25.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship: Chocolate dessert entries in this one, with the winner taking home $150 for first place, plus a gift basket for the top three finishers.

Stick With Canola Oil, Fry It For The Fair Contest: Yes, your worst fears (or deepest desire, depending) -- they're looking for the best in "tasty deep-fried foods" from home cooks. The recipe should have 10 ingredients or less. Fry it in at least two cups of 100 percent canola oil, and put it on a stick. Ages 18 and up. First prize is $200.

Need inspiration? Here are some ideas for some of the contests:

ULTIMATE FISH AND CHIPS

1 potato, medium, washed and grated into long strands

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons chopped chives

1 pound salmon or firm white fish, cut into 1-inch-by-2-inch pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups 100 percent canola oil, any brand

In bowl, combine grated potato strands, egg, flour and chives. Mix well.

Wrap 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of potato mixture around each piece of fish. Secure with long skewer. Let rest 15 minutes before frying.

Heat canola oil to 375 degrees in deep fryer. Fry skewers, a few at a time, for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Yields 8 to 10 skewers.

- Canolainfo.org

CREAMY LEMON PIE

3 egg yolks

One (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 cup lemon juice

One (8-inch or 9-inch) prepared graham cracker or baked pie crust

Whipped topping or whipped cream

Lemon zest (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat egg yolks in medium bowl with rotary beater or fork; gradually beat in sweetened condensed millk and lemon juice. Pour into crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Remove from oven. Cool 1 hour. Chill at least 3 hours. Before serving, spread whipped topping or whipped cream over pie. Garnish with lemon zest (optional). Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 1 pie.

- Eagle Family Foods

- Laura Groch is the Features editor of the North County Times. Got a food question? Missing a recipe? Write to Bites and Pieces, North County Times, 207 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 or e-mail to bites@nctimes.com.