He often gets asked about his big win, especially when he's competing in other contests. "I don't make a big deal out of it. I don't think the other contestants are intimidated, but they ask a lot of questions," he said.

His advice: "I studied their books. Every year they come out with all the Bake-Off recipes. I looked at what had won in the past and used it as a guide for the future."

Also, "Write your recipe in logical order. A lot of recipes get thrown out because people don't follow the rules."

Pillsbury (now part of General Mills) pays for the contestant's trip and hotel stay and provides meals and entertainment. "If you get the chance to go, do it. You'll have a great time, even if you don't win."

Wait was the last winner before the contest changed to a quick-and-easy format that emphasize more convenience products. Also, the advent of online submissions has likely increased the number of entries, he noted.

"My chances of winning today would be slim to none, like everybody else," he said. "Also, it makes a difference who the judges are and what they like. If one of the judges hated chocolate that year, I wouldn't have won. It's all a lot of luck."

ELLIE MATHEWS

When Ellie Mathews' Salsa Couscous Chicken won the Bake-Off in 1998, reporters wrote that she appeared cool and calm. But actually, she was recovering from pneumonia and still a little dazed from her medication. She was also in shock, as she didn't expect to win.

Mathews, an author and illustrator, recounts her Bake-Off experience in a memoir, "The Ungarnished Truth" (Berkley, $23.95). The title plays on the fact that Mathews hadn't thought to specify a garnish when she submitted the recipe.

"I hadn't called for parsley or cilantro or a slice of citrus to dress it up," she wrote in her book, adding that when her dish was photographed at the contest, "the whole thing looked like police photography of an accident scene."

Mathews said she wrote the book because, even after 10 years, people still ask about it. "I hope my book will give someone confidence to say , 'If she can do it, I can do it.' We all have ideas, and it takes a certain kind of courage to put it out there."

Before Pillsbury, Mathews and her husband, Carl Youngmann, had each been finalists in the National Beef Cook-Off. She's entered a few contests since, winning the 2005 Sutter Home Build a Better Burger's alternative category.

"But it's all very hit and miss, because I'm doing other things. There are some people dedicated to sending in recipes. It's fun, but not my primary focus."