You Be The Judge

Hubby and I along with two other couples were asked to judge an Iron Chef type competition on Saturday evening.  My sister Kathi's dinner club was having a friendly competition between the men and the women.  They drew a meat, a starch and a vegetable choice out of a hat on Saturday morning and then got cookin'.  

They drew out pork, rice and parsnips.

Mark and Julie, Jim and Stacy and Hubby and I were the judges.  We were sent to room away from the kitchen where we were served appetizers and a glass of wine.  Then we were called to dinner where the women were served Plate A and the guys were served Plate B.  We traded plates and bites, we discussed and then we voted.  It was tough to choose.

Plate A- Kathi, Janice & Marla

Stuffed Pork Chop- stuffed with green apple, sausage and parsnip with fresh sage dressing.

Honey glazed roasted carrots and parsnips. Crazy good. Crispy pancetta helps.

Rice Balls with balsamic reduction.

 Plate B- Jeff, Randy & Dan

Dry Rubbed Pork Chop with fig, apple, cheese and artichoke stuffing. The dry rub was so good.

Served on a bed of parsnip and carrot puree'.

Topped with pickled parsnip and carrot frisee'.

Roasted red pepper& corn rice with mushroom ragu. Very pretty.

Parsnip & carrot chip garnish.

The guys won by 5 points.  So it was very close.  Everything was delicious and so pretty.

Stacy came over in the afternoon and set the table using her Grandma's cranberry King's Crown stemware.

The cooks were busy and so it was nice she did that  for them.

 No competition for dessert, Marla made it and it was delicious, a lemon cupcake with lemon curd filling with  torched seven minute frosting, served with a raspberry sorbet.  A lovely ending to a delicious dinner.

I hope they have more competition and call us to judge.  It was a dream job!