In recent days Binghamton’s culinary scene has been intense — namely for those who make and enjoy pierogies, a type of dumpling made with unleavened dough and stuffed with a variety of ingredients.

Mrs. T’s, a well-known maker of the dish, conducts an annual search for the famed “Capital of the Pierogy Pocket of America.” The contest has come to Binghamton once again, and die-hard pierogi lovers are ready to defend that title.

“Over the last two years we have seen incredible examples of pierogi passion and community pride in cities and towns across America,” said Gary Lauerman, director of sales and marketing of Mrs. T’s Pierogies. “And Mrs. T’s is excited to continue the celebration of culinary heritage and tradition with this year’s search for the ‘Capital of the Pierogy Pocket of America.’”

Binghamton won last year’s “Pierogy Pocket” competition, making it the official pierogi capital of the region for 2008. The city showed its passion for pierogies by submitting video footage of its 44th annual Pirohi Festival to demonstrate its enthusiasm for the food, as well as a petition signed by over 1,000 residents, according to a press release from Mrs. T’s.

Aside from being named the “Pierogy Pocket Capital” for another year, if Binghamton wins the title once again it will be rewarded a $10,000 grand prize to be donated to the charity of its choice. This year also includes a first for the competition — a sister city will also be declared along with the capital, and a $5,000 charity donation will be made in its name.

“We are very proud to participate in this,” city of Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan said.

According to Ryan, the philanthropic benefits to the contest are important to the city.

“If we win, that will be $10,000 to CHOW, our outreach program for hunger in the community,” he said. “A lot of people get involved in helping our community to be recognized for everything we’re doing. The most important part is if we can win this again during the tough times we’re facing.”

The “Pierogy Pocket” is an area of the northeastern United States in which pierogi consumption is highest in the entire country. The region extends across the states of Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York and even parts of the mid-Atlantic coast.

Aside from Binghamton, there are four other cities competing for the title: Buffalo, N.Y.; Elmira Heights, N.Y.; Forest City, Pa.; and Whiting, Ind. Buffalo was the winner of the first “Pierogy Pocket Capital” competition.

The voting started on Oct. 6, and will continue through Oct. 24. Anyone wishing to vote for the capital of their choice should go to pierogypocket.com, where users can not only vote, but also view the “pierogy pride” contributions that the finalist cities have made.