Iron Skillet Experience - Marshalltown 2007
Iron Skillet Experience - Marshalltown 2007
I was lucky enough to be chosen to cook in an “Iron Skillet” competition at a BBQ contest earlier in the summer. An “Iron skillet” contest is a Friday evening event starting to crop up at some BBQ contests around the country. It uses Iron Chef America as the premise and takes that theme to the outdoor kitchen, melding it with KCBS BBQ events.
We were given 3 secret ingredients, and had to present at least 1 dish showcasing all three, as well as any additional dishes utilizing the ingredients we wanted. We had two hours to prepare these dishes and present a minimum of 6 portions back for judging. So what were our “secret ingredients”? We were given blueberries, country style ribs, and Anaheim chilies.
Let me say right now, that this was the most fun I have had in ages. I have my grill, and outdoor camp stove, and spices/side items that I have in my camp. What to do in 2 hours to turn this into something the judges would love…
Shredded Pork stuffed Smoked Chilies with a blueberry reduction, of course! After grilling the pork and wrapping it to get to the temp required for shredding – I smoked the chilies and took the blueberries, juiced them, and added apple juice, and splash of Crown Royal. I reduced the blueberry mixture in a saucier while the chilies were smoking. As the 2 hour time limit approached, I shredded the country style ribs, and added shredded co-jack cheese. I stuffed the chilies with this mixture, and added the blueberry reduction.
BBQ contestants strive for consistency, and make micro changes contest to contest… this type of event requires you to be able to cook by the seat of your pants. What a rush! We ended up winning the event, but I don’t know what I enjoyed more… getting the iron skillet, or handing in the completed entry. I’d like to see more of these events in the Friday night fare at BBQ contests.
One other note - We look completely soaked because we are - during the contest, we had torrential winds and rain! Yet one more fun twist!!!
