The search for the region's top amateur cook is just around the corner.

The first heat in the Highlands Cook Off will take place on August 5.

It will be the second year that BDCU Children's Foundation has hosted the series.

On Tuesday, the Highlands Cook Off was launched at BDCU.

Dignitaries included well-known Sydney chef Tony Bilson and the event's patron and 2014 ambassador Geoff Jansz.

The 42 contestants were introduced to their mentors and learnt rules for the competition.

Mentors include last year's Cook Off finalists, led by winner Narelle Blackadder.

"We all had such a wonderful experience and made great friends through the experience," Ms Blackadder said.

"I am really looking forward to this experience in a different role."

The format for the 2014 competition involves teams of two cooks working together.

Participants range in age from 12 to 70 years.

The 21 teams will each prepare a main course for 10 people.

The diners will enjoy a three-course dinner supplied by Coffee Culture, the amateur cooks and Gumnut Patisserie, together with wine, at a cost of $65 per head.

Three heats will be held every fortnight, with diners judging their main course for taste, originality and presentation.

The top three scoring teams from each heat will progress to the finals in September, when diners will vote for Cook of the Year.

The first heat will be on Tuesday, August 5 at Cookability School at the Kazcare site in Kirkham Rd Bowral. Bookings are required and tickets are limited.

This will be followed by further heats on August 19, and September 2 and 23.

BDCU Children's Foundation vice-president Ross Stone said the four events would lead to the Bowral Long Lunch.

The lunch will be held down Bong Bong St, Bowral, on Sunday, October 19.

For more information and bookings for the Cook Off dinners phone Kirstie Graham on 4860 4003.