It’ll be military-styled KP duty at dawn Friday at the Natchez Convention Center for members of 15 elite cooking teams dressed in full U.S. Armed Forces regalia as they begin slicing, dicing, peeling and stirring their way to producing the best jambalaya in the Miss-Lou for their hungry fans.

This Friday, United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou hosts its seventh annual jambalaya cook-off featuring a “Salute to the Troops.”

And the public will benefit from the heated competition, with a complete scrumptious Jambalaya lunch being offered for a donation of only $6.

Not sure of which recipe suits your taste buds?

Well, for an additional donation of $1 per sample, you can purchase a tasting cup before making your final choice.

“Roscoe” from 95 Country will serve as master of ceremonies, and there’ll be live music by “Wayside” to keep toes tapping.

Of course, this annual “fun raiser” is for a good cause and a great way to kick off the United Way’s 2011 fall campaign.

United Way agencies will be on hand to tell their stories regarding the valuable service and support their efforts provide to local residents in need.

In that regard, the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou has always focused on critical issues, like education, employment and housing.

It takes the whole community working together to reach our goals in these areas, which include helping children and youth succeed, strengthening and supporting families and promoting independence and economic self-sufficiency.

The annual jambalaya cook-off has been a sellout most every year, so get there early — the Natchez Convention Center doors open at 11 a.m. You’ll be treating your taste buds to some great local fare while helping support those who need it most.

Terry Trovato is a board member of the United Way and a member of the Callon Petroleum Company cooking team.