The $1,185 ticket tab to breathe the same high altitude air as all the star chefs (including Food & Wine Best New Chef Alex Seidel from Fruition) that'll congregate in Aspen, June 18-20, for this year's Food & Wine Classic, isn't exactly sofa change, but if you have a favorite kitchen gadget that's made from plastic, then you could win two passes -- plus $500 in cash -- to the swanky soiree. Just in case you're not familiar with the lodging upsell that's inherent to the Classic, $500 is roughly the equivalent to one night of bunking.

The contest, sponsored by the American Chemistry Council, wants you to answer just one simple question: How do you use plastics to create your favorite foods or memorable parties? Easy, right?

To enter, go to www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/2010/05/aspen-challenge/. You've got until Thursday, June 3 to blow everyone away with your tales about plastic margarita glasses; the winner (that could be you!) will be announced at 5 p.m. MT on Friday, June 4.

Ready, set, silicone!

• Deals