By Gerri Miller
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
Photos by Gerri Miller and Sonya McLauchlin (EAN)
Avocado swine bombs, grouper with crabmeat sauce, venison hash and wild boar and venison wontons were just a few of the dishes that could be sampled Saturday at the 2021 Alabama Wildlife Federation’s (AWF) Wild Game Cook-Off State Finals in Millbrook.
For the second year in a row, the Lake Martin team Biscuits & Gravy Chillin’ & Grillin’ took First Place in the competition held at AWF’s headquarters. The winners represented the best of the best from more than 300 cook teams that competed in regional events in 2019. The last cookoff held was in February 2020 due to COVID restrictions, said Tommy Tidwell, the Wild Game Cook-Off coordinator.
Twelve teams were on hand to compete for the $1,000 grand prize, a huge trophy and the coveted “AWF Wild Game Cook-off State Champion” title. The team consisting of Daniel Thompson, Shanna Thompson and John McKelvey took the top prize.
Second Place went to Chi Grillers, a team from Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham. The team, led by instructor Todd Jackson, made a tasty venison hash. The team won a trophy and a $500 cash prize.
The team winning Third Place was the Outdoor Crazy Cookers from Athens. The team, which included Andrew Fikes, Gregory Lambert, and Jamie Marshall, won a trophy and a $250 cash prize. Their signature dishes were grouper with crabmeat sauce, wild sow, and red snapper.
The People’s Choice Award, presented on behalf of the Alabama Army National Guard, went to Palomar Insurance for their crawfish kisses. The Montgomery-based team included Todd Johnson, Robert Adair, Thomas Adair, Wesley Johnson, Beth Johnson, Bruce Garrett, and Maddie Johnson.
The award for Best Presentation went to Co-op Cut-ups for their fried grits cake with tomato gravy. The team represented Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. Team Members included Kirk Green, Allison Ellison, Shelby Ellison, Jimmy Sims, John Mims, and Kristy Seamon.
The runner up for Best Presentation was Biscuits & Gravy Chillin’ and Grillin’.
Other teams participating included Hog Heaven of Hartselle, which wooed the crowd with delicious avocado swine bombs and sausage links with cheese. Jody Wynn is the leader of that team
The Dry Creek Boys & Company served up a delicious mule deer wrapped in bacon. The team, from Rogersville, includes Cindy and Mike Conlon.
Alumni from the University of North Alabama had a team called KBeeQue. The creative cooks made pizza wontons with wild boar and venison. The team consists of Ken Merchant and Michelle Merchant.
The Dream Catchers from Trinity, Hartselle and Decatur went all out with their lobster tail and shrimp and deer medallions. On the team are Kris Raley, Beth Raley, Anita Cummings, and Lori Cummings.
The Serial Grillers of Tuscaloosa served up tasty, blackened catfish on collard greens as well as a fajita turkey casserole. Included on this team were Jennifer Spain, Richie Spain, Lori Kelly, Chase Kelly, Chris Edg and Amanda Edg.
The Back Porch Smokers from Talladega were another team that included Cody Bishop, Jared Bishop, Kayleigh Bishop and Lindsey Bishop. A Prattville team from Register Farms made a deer shot and deer medallions with sides of broccoli salad, street corn and pound cake.
The purpose of AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs is to provide an opportunity for AWF members to interact, for non-members to learn more about AWF, and to raise funds to support AWF’s conservation programs and projects. The Cook-Offs also demonstrate that responsible sportsmen/women properly utilize the wild game and fish that they harvest and prepare it with care, skill, and expertise to produce healthy and tasty table fare.
The Alabama Wildlife Federation, established by sportsmen in 1935, is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization. The home office is located in Millbrook.
The mission of the AWF, a 501c3 non-profit group supported by membership dues and donations, is to promote the conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources as a basis for economic and social prosperity. To learn more about AWF, including membership details, programs, and projects, call 334-285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org.
