Monday, January 28, 2013

Iron Chef, Home Edition.


Last night I was able to attend an Iron Chef (house party-esque) cook-off with Ms. Ashley of Ending Up Here, and I had a blast! The event was hosted at a gorgeous home in Columbus by friends of Ashley, and when we arrived the place was overflowing with talented and eager chefs. There were six contestants in total, who were all slaving over dishes that included Doritos, the secret ingredient. I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting myself into when I agreed to go, so when I walked in to find a semi-serious competition with people who were actually skilled in cooking, I was delighted!

We were there to be part of the judging team (one that amassed a good 10+ people in all), and were fed good food and provided with good drinks all night long. The event (and it's hosts) were so thoughtful and entertaining that by the end I felt like we were all sitting down for a family meal.

Ashley and I both documented the affair (and all of the food!), and so you can view more images on her blog. I tried to get as many images as I could manage, since everything was so impressive that I felt like it all needed to be shared as much as possible. I was blown away by every one's creativity and presentation!


The contestants had 3.5 hours to cook, which included shopping for their ingredients. There were people frying their dishes, grilling their dishes (in the freezing rain!), and baking their dishes up until the last 5 minutes of the competition. Since I'm not really a person who can cook, I was mesmerized by all of the techniques and concoctions that people had come up with, especially those that used a food processor.


When all of the dishes were complete and all spoons and pans were down, everyone set their meals on the table and then stepped aside. The hosts attached labels and a score card next to each entry, and then all of us gathered round for a potluck annihilation of all of it. Our plates were so full! Here are the dishes provided, including a note on how the Doritos were used.

 

This was the second place winner, courtesy of Chef Dan (head chef of The Explorers Club). This was a pork tenderloin dish made with spicy Doritos, chile quiles, and fried eggs. It was DELICIOUS. And pretty spicy, too.


Another of Dan's (I believe), which was templu and tofu spicy Doritos nachos, with fire roasted salsa. This was also absolutely delicious, and full of a spicy kick.



This entry by Frank was a cool ranch Doritos tempura (clever!) green beans.


This entry won first place in the competition! Tony K of Mithridium made a maple bacon, Doritos, and Red Stag trail mix. A favorite among the judges!


This was one of my personal favorites, as I absolutely love soups (and because I've been sick all week), and I had a really hard time not eating all of it. This was the third place dish and was comprised of brown sugar and Doritos encrusted pork in a potato broccoli cheese soup. Divine. It was divine!



 These were apple and chicken meatballs, with a Doritos and cracker crust, placed over noodles. The girl who made this was so sweet and stylish!
This dish won Most Creative Use of Doritos, and rightfully so! Frank made Doritos bacon bark, and it was incredible. Way to go, Frank!



Another of Frank's dishes, this was a Doritos encrusted pork chop dish over rice.



Another soup, this one provided by Chef Dan. Unfortunately, I didn't get the details of this dish, but it was also delicious.




Another of my favorites! This was a Frank's Hot Sauce in Doritos and garlic mashed potatoes. So good!


The entire entry, complete with those delicious mashed potatoes!

And finally, a chicken and rice pilaf in which Doritos were used for the breading. Clever, clever!


My plate full of all of the delicious food. Not pictured, me drinking the soup out of the gigantic bowls.


^^^ The woman herself! Ashley, digging into her many plates of food.

Pre-food-coma judges.


^^^ And me, stuffing my face with those mashed potatoes. (I might have gone back for seconds... And thirds)



The prizes were spray painted utensils on cups and caulk. I like this group of people a lot.


The wonderful contestants of Iron Chef, Home Edition 2013!






15 comments:

  1. What a fun night! Sounds like a blast. I would love the mashed potatoes. I love any potatoes :P

    P.S. I love your hair!

    http://www.charliececile.com

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    1. If I ate anymore mashed potatoes there wouldn't have been any left for the other judges! And thank you! It's in desperate need of my hair dresser =p

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  2. I agree, looked like a fun get together! I am in total admiration when someone can just create a clever dish from random food items and make it taste good! That cool ranch doritos tempera looked delicious!

    A new follower of yours :)

    xo,
    Jessica
    http://thedoilyduck.blogspot.com ... Come stop by sometime :)

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    1. I was constantly being blown away by everyone involved. I can't even make cookies correctly, so I was super impressed.

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  3. Whoa, I am impressed!
    amanda
    http://thingstoholdandstir.blogspot.com/

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  4. This is such a cool idea and all the food looks delicious! I totally want to make all my friends do this with me! :D xx

    http://thehonestfox.blogspot.com

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    1. Yes! And if you do, let me know! I'd love to see what you guys come up with =]

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  5. This looks like such a fun night!! I would love to do this with some close friends. Thanks for the idea. I love your blog my dear! I will definitely be following you on bloglovin. xx. McKenna Lou
    www.lynnandlou.blogspot.com

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  6. Wow this is SUCH a good idea. Especially the part about being part of the judging team, it seems like a good spot in the mix :)

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    1. Right?! Being there purely to eat was the best job I think I've ever had.

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  7. Oh this looks like so much fun! Reminds me of Tasty Tuesday, something my friends do over here in the UK. Who knew Doritos could be used in so many ways? Thanks for sharing this, I loved looking at the photos. :-)

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    1. The next time you have your event, document it so that I can see it, too! I'm now officially hooked on cooking parties with friends, especially when it involves friends who can cook =]

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  8. Nice can I be a judge? Now I'm so hungry and I only have a cup of coffee on my desk. Well at least I'll be building some hunger for later :)


    www.vindiebaby.com
    Vintage Inspired Fashion by Independent Designers for Your Little darling

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