Dynamite Cook-Off 2008

I happily spent Saturday September 13th in Woonsocket, RI, at the 2nd Annual Dynamite Cook-Off ! The day started out similar to last year, in that it rained in the morning, but by the time the judging was underway, the sun was shining! There were not have as many entrants as last year(almost 6o last year!), but there were some familiar faces!

Contestants busy getting ready!

Our judges ready to try some tasty dynamites!

Contestant Christine Brackett.

Christine uses sausage, hamburg and mushrooms to her dynamite mixture. To give it a kick, she adds adobo sauce for a smoky heat!

April Fagnant, one of our youngest contestants. April's mixture was dark and rich looking. Her secret? Making her Dynamites in a slow cooker overnight.

When I asked contestant Ray Chauvette, what the secret was to his Dynamite mixture, he said LOVE........

One of our returning contestants, Bruce Trudeau. Bruce's Mom used to make Dynamites every Sunday for Bruce's very large French Canadian family (13 kids!). He makes his Dynamites in her honor.

Contestant John Croteau.

Contestant Alex Sommer and his special Dynamite mixture. Alex had a secret ingredient. The judges loved his mixure, although becuase he works for the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, he could not officially compete. Alex wanted to see if he could pull off a successful Dynamite dish despite the fact that it was Vegetarian!!! The judges and others who tasted it loved it!!! Great job Alex!

Our Third Place Winner Jill Brackett.

Jill loves tex Mex food, so spiced up her mixture with some corn and fresh peppers, spicy and sweet.

Jill with the judges.

Second Place Winner, Dianne Jarrie Russell. Diane used a slow cooker for her mixture. She learned to make Dynamites at age 13, by watching and helping her Mom in the kitchen.
Lynne Leroux and Michelle Marcotte of The Friendly Home, were our Third Place IWnners from last year. They spent several months perfecting and tweaking their recipe and came back wanting to win it all!

Here is their entry. Presentation is very important at this cookoff. Of course Dynamites go hand in hand with Narragansett Beer!

Well, the ladies had what it takes. They came in first place not only with the judges, but they also won the People's Choice Award as well!

Congratulations to all the winners what a wonderful day it was. Hope to see you there next year!

Warm your Soul

I recently found a recipe for corn chowder and vowed to make some before the summer was officially OVER! Since my sister-in-law Jen was visiting from Florida, I figured now is as good a time as any!
I purchased some end- of- season corn from Hill Orchards at the Hope St. Farmer's Market.
I also picked up some in-house baked/smoked turkey from Lee's Market in Westport, MA. I love going into that market. I always find some new locally made products & gourmet goodies there. After spending the better part of the day interviewing farmers and researching local potatoes for Farm Fresh RI. i came home and decided to cook up a storm! I must say, this chowder was fabulous!!! Jim said it was the best soup I have ever made (and i have made some great ones!!!!), even Emma thought it was fantastic!!!
Whether we like it or not the chilly weather is slowly creeping up on us here in New England (it is supposed to be 37 degrees tonight!), so find some corn, local potatoes and warm up your body and soul with this easy to make; hearty, creamy chowder. I found the recipe this summer in Wondertime Magazine.

I hope you get to make some soon! Please let me know what you think! ENJOY......