First Ever Boy Baker Wins Easy-Bake Chef of the Year Contest

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2004--

Nine-Year-Old John McCune from Valley Center, Kansas has the Recipe for Success in Hasbro's EASY-BAKE 2004 "Chef of the Year" National Contest

“All of the recipes really wowed us this year. We were overwhelmed by the creativity demonstrated by our finalists in this year's”

John McCune, a 9 year-old master baker from Valley Center, Kansas was named the EASY-BAKE 2004 "Chef of the Year" today after baking his tempting "EASY-BAKE Carrot Cake," concluding the search for America's best child chef by Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), the makers of the EASY-BAKE Oven. John is the first boy to ever win the EASY-BAKE "Chef of the Year" contest, which was created in 1998. A delicious dessert that tasted as terrific as it looked, John's EASY-BAKE Carrot Cake was a creative combination of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, crushed pineapple, pecans and of course, carrots. The judges' decision was unanimous, especially with presentation - a round cake deliciously decorated with a star-shaped pastry tip, and an orange carrot beautifully embellishing the top.

"All of the recipes really wowed us this year. We were overwhelmed by the creativity demonstrated by our finalists in this year's "Chef of the Year" contest," said Jeff Taylor, Vice President of Marketing at Hasbro. "For over 40 years, the EASY-BAKE Oven has helped create sweet childhood memories with its simple but timeless concept that cooking is fun and we're thrilled to be bringing this same wholesome experience to a new generation."

As the EASY-BAKE 2004 Chef of the Year, John won a $5,000 savings bond and a two year supply of EASY-BAKE mixes. As an added treat, Brooke Vosika, executive chef at the Four Seasons New York, and one of the contest judges, has created a special menu item, EASY BAKE Peanut Butter Surprise, in John's honor. Created in an EASY-BAKE REAL MEAL Oven using the sugar cookie mix, this entree will be featured on the children's menu at the Four Seasons New York from November 1st through December 31st 2004.

A panel of toy, parenting and culinary experts selected John from five finalists, ages 8-11. The runners- up are: Sara Cole from Wichita, Kansas; Lauren Gabuzzi from Glenview, Illinois; Tanner Kohn from Simpsonville, South Carolina; and Caitlan Pritchard from Oklahoma City. In addition to the trip to New York City to perform in the finals, each runner-up also received a $1,000 savings bond, a one-year supply of EASY-BAKE Mixes, and a package of Hasbro toys and games.

"I'm really excited to be the EASY-BAKE 2004 "Chef of the Year," said John McCune. "Coming to New York to cook in the finals and meeting all the other finalists has been so much fun. I can't believe I won!"

During the cook-off, each chef was equipped with their choice of the classic EASY-BAKE Oven or REAL-MEAL Oven, their selected ingredients, and lots of cheers and well-wishes from the crowd gathered to support the pint-sized participants. They spent the morning creating their culinary concoctions, the best of which was submitted to a panel of judges, that included, Karl Guggenmos, University Dean of Culinary Education, Johnson & Wales; Brooke Vosika, executive chef of Four Seasons Hotel New York; Christopher Byrne, "The Toy Guy;" Maria Weiskott, Editor-In-Chief, Playthings; and Wendy Smolen, Deputy Editor, Nick Jr. Family Magazine, and Angie Salem, Senior Brand Manager, Hasbro. The panel judged the five entries on creative use of ingredients, ease of preparation, presentation and taste.

The contest kicked off in May 2004 when Hasbro issued a call for entries, seeking the best child chefs from around the country. Children, ages 8-12, submitted their favorite recipe, created using at least one EASY-BAKE mix. The entries were judged by the staff from the renowned culinary school, Johnson and Whales University and the EASY-BAKE team at Hasbro, who had the tough job of narrowing down the entries to the five lucky finalists who showed their culinary prowess at today's event.

For additional information about the EASY-BAKE brand or other Hasbro products, consumers can call 800-255-5516 or visit www.easybake.com.

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.