When you throw a food contest you just never know who might enter. Sometimes there's a nice suprise.

Greenville's Cortland Place will compete against eight other food establishments - all restaurants -- in the Americana category at the Rhode Island World of Flavors Competition today at the Bank of America Skating Center in Providence from 1-6 p.m.

This is the first year for the food fest which will award a prize package to the winning eatery worth $15,000 in promotional appearances and services.

But there in the mix is Cortland Place, an assisted living, skilled nursing and Alzheimer's and dementia care facility. There they take their food very seriously.

Cortland Place chef Marc Ruggio was the winner of the 2002 Seafood Chowder award at the Newport Chowder Festival, competing against all restaurants. Now he'll do the same here in Providence with his Cortland Apple Crisp.

Servers dressed as Martha & George Washington will celebrate the spirit of mom and apple pie to typify the care pledged to the residents of Cortland Place.

All visitors who tour Cortland receive a complimentary apple pie to take home with them. And all visitors to their booth on Sunday will receive an American flag as well as hot apple crisp.

Greenville, of course, is apple country.

Chef Ruggio shared his recipe with us, below. And to learn more about the event on projo.com/food or at World of Flavors.

WORLD OF FLAVORS CORTLAND APPLE CRISP

4 Cortland apples, sliced

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup quick cooking or old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

3/4 tsp. grade A or B pure maple syrup

Vermont cheddar cheese

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening.
2. Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients until well mixed; sprinkle over apples.
3. Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with Vermont cheddar cheese.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Makes: 6 servings