The American Egg Board has launched a Search for America’s Worst Cook. Enter by June 30 for a shot at a trip for two to New York City and cooking classes at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Here are details on the American Egg Board contest:

How to enter: Write an essay of 200 or fewer words explaining why you or someone you know is in desperate need of basic cooking skills. Submit the entry at www.Americasworstcook.Com or mail it to America’s Worst Cook Contest, c/o Lauren Cobey, Edelman, 200 E. Randolph, Suite 63, Chicago 60601.

Further requirements: Entries must include the name, e-mail address and/or daytime phone number of entrant (plus that of the nominee, if different).

Supporting material: You may – but are not required to – include a VHS or DVD video of no more than five minutes “or” up to two photographs.

Prize: Airfare to New York City and a five-day, four-night hotel stay for two, up to four classes at the Institute of Culinary Education and $500 spending money.

Fine print: Contestants must be at least 18 years old. Read the rest of the rules at the contest Web site.

Here’s a tasty egg recipe to try:

Ham and asparagus strata

Vegetable oil spray

6 eggs

12 to 16 ( 1/2-inch thick) slices French or Italian bread (about 4 ounces)

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, divided

1 cup (4 ounces) chopped cooked lean ham, divided

8 ounces fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

1 cup skim or low-fat milk

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

Layer half of the bread slices on bottom of dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese, 1/2 cup ham and 1 cup asparagus pieces. Cover with the remaining bread slices, laying them flat or in a shingled pattern. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, ham and asparagus spears.

In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, lemon juice and garlic powder. Pour evenly over layers. Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake thermometer inserted near center reads 160 degrees and/or knife inserted near center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.