Ultimate Recipe Showdown premiered on FOOD on February 17, 2008. With more than 12,000 recipes submitted from home cooks across America, Ultimate Recipe Showdown makes for a delicious competition as the top 24 contestants battle head-to-head for national glory. The series features six categories: Comfort Food, Burgers, Cakes, Hot and Spicy, Desserts, or Hometown Favorites. Each week, the judges crown an "ultimate" winner who receives $25,000 and the chance to have his or her recipe featured nationwide at T.G.I. Friday's restaurants.