There may have been rain and tornado warnings in and around South Pittsburg, causing the National Cornbread Festival to shut down mid-afternoon on Saturday, but the 2010 National Cornbread Festival Cook-Off was on! For the past thirteen years, contestants cooked outside under colorful tents at the festival on beautiful Five Star gas ranges, but on this fourteenth year the contestants were shuttled to South Pittsburg High School's cafeteria where they cooked on hot plates purchased for the event, and in the school's large convection ovens. It took some adjusting, and the judges were apparently advised of this change and asked to factor this into their criteria, but it all worked out. Everyone was safe and dry and ready for competition, undaunted by weather complications!

The first heat consisted of Felice, Beth, Larry, Lori and Sandi, and the aromas were incredible coming from each work station as the finalists focused on the task at hand. Before long beautiful presentations came through and were presented to the judges, sequestered in the library. The second heat consisted of Judy, Erin, Liz, Bill and Karen, again attending to the task at hand and creating gorgeous delicacies.

Finally, the twelve judges were introduced, followed by the contestants, and all were presented with handsome gift baskets containing Lodge cast iron and Martha White products, as well as other lovely gifts. Then the winners were announced - third place went to Felice with her Shrimp and Grits Cornbread. Erin took second place with her Crunchtastic Chicken Chipotle Cornbread, and the grand prize winner was Lori with her clever and incredible Bacon and Gorgonzola Cornbread Sliders. Congratulations to all!

This festival, of which the contest is but a small part, is well worth a detour. You will meet some of the nicest people in the world in this small town, so look for the rules next January for the 2011 event.
 

Pictures courtesy of Beth Royals and Larry Elder, commentary by Janice Elder