State of the Union, followed by hot dish showdown!

DFL Sen. Al Franken is sponsoring the first ever hotdish competition among Minnesota's Congressional delegation tomorrow in the wake of tonight's State of the Union by the president. The bipartisan, bicameral "Hot  Dish Off" gives members of Congress the chance to show off their Minnesota culinary skills. In a news release, Franken said the goal is to bring together all members of the delegation to celebrate Minnesota before getting down to the hard legislative work ahead. He said he is hoping to make this an annual event.

The entries will be judged in a blind taste test by former Minnesota GOP Congressmen Vin Weber, Democratic Congressman Gerry Sikorski and MinnPost reporter Derek Wallbank. Minnesota State Society member Megan Ivory Carr will tally the votes and announce the winner.

Now word yet on what hot dishes will be presented. I'm guessing someone goes for the classic tater tot hotdish.