Old West Cowboy Days

1st Annual Dutch Oven Cook-Off

June 28th, 2009,

Forest Park, Ottawa, Kansas

Cook-Off will start at 8:30 a.m.

Judging at 11:30 a.m. Desserts will be judged first, followed breads, then the main dish.

Entry fee is $15.00 for each Dutch oven you prepare.

(The entry fee gives you the opportunity to compete, receive one contest apron and a cookbook of recipes from this contest. Additional aprons will be available for purchase)

Two divisions: Novice or Experienced

The teams will be competing for over $1000 in prizes

To register for the competition:

1) Fill out the attached entry form

2) Return it by June 12th, 2009 along with a typed copy of the recipe(s) you plan to make and the registration fees.

3) Checks made payable to Old West Cowboy Days.

For information, contact Jo Ellen Arnold at 785-229-3520 OR Franklin County Visitors

Center at 785-242-1411.

Dutch Oven Cook-Off Competition                

Two Divisions:

1) Novice- having never participated in a contest before.

2) Experienced- -participated in one or more Dutch Oven Cook-off contests.

Youth may participate in either division, but must be 12-18 years of age and must have 1 adult on their team.

Teams are 1-3 people. If you have an Experienced cook (having competed in a contest before

you must enter in the Experienced division.

Each team may enter as many categories as they like. Chose from Desserts, Breads or Main Dishes. Enter more than one item per category...but no more than three total entries. (Example: 2 desserts, 1 bread OR 1 main dish, 1 bread, 1 dessert, OR any combination of the three categories)

Competitors will provide all ingredients and equipment needed to prepare dishes.

To register for the competition, team captains should complete the attached entry form and return it by June 12th, 2009 along with a typed copy of the recipe(s) that they plan to make and their registration fee. Checks made payable to Old West Cowboy Days.

A panel of judges will determine a winner in each category.

In each category, first and second place awards will be given.

1. First will receive $100.   2. Second place will receive $50.

3. There will be a prize for the Best Over-all team.

All judges’ decisions are final.

Old West Cowboy Days committee members are not responsible for accidents or damages incurred during this event.

Teams should plan to arrive at Forest Park, Ottawa, KS , June 28th, 2009 at 8:00 am. A meeting will be held at 8:30 am. Cooking will begin after that.

Rules and Regulations:

1.   Only team members are allowed in the cooking area.

2.   One team member should remain in the cooking area at all times for fire safety reasons.

3.   Please interact with the public, but do not allow them to get to close to the cooking area.

4.   Alcohol and tobacco use are not permitted.

5.   Ingredients cannot be precooked and must be combined, chopped, sliced or diced during the competition on site, including garnishes. Marinating of meat prior to the start of the competition is not allowed. All meat must be USDA inspected. All cooking must be done in a Dutch Oven.

6.   Everything presented to the judges must be prepared in a Dutch Oven and prepared on site. Dishes must be presented to the judges on time. All foods will be presented in the pot or on the lid. The judges will be served a sample for judging. Other samples will then be provided to the public.

7.   Use good fire safety practices.

8.   Propane is not allowed to cook with or to start the charcoal.

9.   A table, grill or some way of cooking off of the pavement/grass is required.

10. Please use safe food handling procedures:

Teams should start with clean equipment and keep it clean.

Have a separate basin for hand washing and use it often.

Dishwashing facilities are required of each team.

There should be no eating in the cooking area (tasting is allowed).

Tasting utensils bust be washed after each use. No finger licking.

Avoid cross-contamination, wash utensils between meat prep and vegetable prep.

Coolers are required for all refrigerated items. Keep hot food hot and cold foods cold.

11.  Cooks are expected to bring and light their own charcoal.

12.  Be prompt. Attend the cook's meeting for last minute instructions.

13.  Read all of the rules and regulations and be prepared to ask any questions that you may have.

The Old West Cowboy Days Committee will provide a 10 foot by 10 foot space for each team.

All of the equipment must fit within this space.

If you need hot water for a recipe, plan on heating it yourself.

Teams should demonstrate good sportsmanship. Interaction with the public and other teams is an important part of the cooking contest. Teams should be courteous and willing to answer questions from the public. The contest is about encouraging the skill of using the Dutch Oven and having fun doing it.

Old West Cowboy Days committee members are not responsible for accidents or damages incurred during the cook-off.

        

Old West Cowboy Days

Three Days of Music, Events, Food

and Fun!  June 26, 27 & 28, 2009

Cattle Drive down Main Street Ottawa, Mutton Bustin’ Championships, Western Art, Petting zoo, Old West Re-enactors, Stock Dog Demonstrations, Dutch Oven Cook off, Vendors and Booths, Mounted Shooting Demonstrations, John Deere Equipment, Cowboy Poetry, Live music entertainment and much much more!

Join us in honoring our western heritage