It’s time to let the cat out of the bag, or the chickens out of the coop.

Remember that Eggland’s Best Chief Egg Officer contest that consumed me earlier this fall?

It’s baaaaaack. And so is my best bud (see photo), Mr. E.B. Eggy Pants.

Contest administrators notified me earlier this month, but swore me to secrecy until October 28. Now I’m free to announce I am in the final round, one of three contenders vying for the title of Eggland’s Best CEO.

The finalists’ assignment for the final tier: Create a video that shows your passion for the EB brand. WATCH THE VIDEO

Having done TV news in a past life, and having been partial to fun, feel-good features, I couldn’t wait to get started.

I connected with my former colleague, Joe Rogers, who is now videographer for Huntsville City Schools.

“You up for a fun project?” I asked.

He was.

It was just like old times, only this was the first time I’ve been inside a chicken coop. But if you want to be CEO of the nation’s top specialty egg producer, you can’t let your feathers get ruffled. You do whatever it takes to become top chick.

Joe is an incredibly talented photographer and editor. But he’s also an old friend, which made the adventure that much more delightful. I was all cooped up for the first part of our shoot, but Joe, kind as he is, eventually set me free.

We shot the final part of our piece at my house. Mormor (my mom), Serina, 8, Sophia, 6, and I were ready for a hen party. We invited David and Joe to join us (lucky them)! On the menu: Eggland’s Best eggs. (Surprised, right?)

Sophia, our family’s budding chef, helped prepare our eggs, cracking and whisking with vigor. Serina, who had worked up quite an appetite during our visit to the chicken coop, couldn’t wait to dig in.

David won’t say much on camera. Actually, he won’t smile for one, either, let alone make eye contact. But he did eat. Not even the camera-shy can resist the culinary call of Eggland’s Best eggs.

It was a long day of shooting; after all, I am always up with the roosters! But it was worth it.

This contest has been a blast from the beginning, especially for the girls and me. I enjoy plugging products that I, as a healthy, nutrition-minded mom, genuinely believe in. As I said in my video, I have been singing the praises of Eggland’s Best eggs for quite a while. They are delicious, nutritious and wholesome — part of a healthy lifestyle, and exactly what I want for my brood.

So let another round of voting begin! You can vote every day for three weeks. The company will send you a confirmation link to make sure yours is a valid email address, but no newsletters or spam.

I know, I seem a little overzealous with this contest. Don’t worry, I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket.

Ah, heck! Who am I fooling? Of course, I am.

I’ve even ordered the name plate: Karen S. Petersen, CEO egg-straordinaire.

**********************************************************************************  A special thanks to the fabulous Huntsville couple who graciously allowed me to use their chicken coop! And to Joe, an awesome photographer and overall good egg!