12-year-old's 'hindenburger' good enough for Kid's Cook-Off

Every year, 50 young connoisseurs are honored for their unique and creative burger recipes.

For the first time, a Hamilton student was within the top 50 to have a winning recipe, out of more than 11,000 entries.

Austin Waltenbaugh, 12, made his way into the cookbook with his “Hidenburger” creation mixing sauerkraut with hamburger and pretzel buns.

“Austin’s Hindenburger was selected for the Kids’ Cook-Off Cookbook because of the inventive and creative ingredients used on his burger,” Jamie Winter, Red Robin communications manager, said.

Winter said with the growing interest from children in food-themed TV shows, cooking classes and celebrity chefs, interest in the Kids’ Cook-Off increases each year.

Other Southwest Ohio winners in the past include Ashville and Chillicothe in 2007, and Cincinnati and Mason in 2008.

In the contest, a top 50 is chosen first. Then the final 10 are brought out to Colorado where the final recipes are made and tested by judges. When Austin heard he was in the top 50 he got excited about the prospect of going to Colorado, but didn’t make the final round.

The winning burger each year is highlighted on the menu for a period of time.

A portion of the proceeds from sales go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.