And now for something completely different - A Congressional "Hotdish Off" Featuring Minnesotan "Delicacies"

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken at "Hotdish Off"

On April 10, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) hosted Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representatives  Michele Bachmann, Keith Ellison, Betty McCollum, Rick Nolan, Erik Paulsen, Collin Peterson, and Tim Walz for a bipartisan and bicameral Minnesota Congressional delegation "Hotdish Off."  Sen.  Franken has since posted a cookbook online that includes each of the recipes served at the event, including Rep. Walz's contest winner, “Hermann the German Hotdish,” featuring brats, beer and tater tots.  Beside Walz’s winning creation, other recipes in the cookbook include:

• Rep. Rick Nolan’s ‘Real Deal’ Ranger Hot Dish
• Rep. Collin Peterson’s Easter Ham and Cheese Hotdish
• Rep. Michele Bachmann’s Southwest Metro Hotdish
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s Hormel “I Can’t Believe It’s Not SPAM” Pepperoni Pizza Hotdish
• Rep. Keith Ellison’s Juicy Lucy Hotdish
• Sen. Al Franken’s Willmar Stew
• Rep. Erik Paulsen’s Taco Hotdish
• Rep. Betty McCollum’s Beef, Beer & Biscuits Hotdish