And Now- Back to the Cook Off!

So we planned an epic cook off, because the Reading brothers are extremely competitive. Turns out Niki is too. Me? Meh, I just wanted to eat some delicious food. And I did!

So the rules were as follows:

Each team had to prepare an Appetizer, Entree and Dessert- each with a drink pairing. One of the courses had to primarily be cooked on the grill. The OPPOSITE team chose the other's Entree protein the day of grocery shopping, so it was a little on the fly.

The Dahlia bloomed for the occasion:

We went to the garden to get some of the veggies we would be needing and some of us played around a little:

The very first tomato!!!!! A yellow pear tomato that we waited a day too long to eat so it was a little mealy. But still! So exciting!

Oly and I picked baby carrots (Hallie neglects to inform you that she ate the carrot by herself and didn't share with anyone else)

We went to DiBruno brothers and Reading Terminal Market in the city to get most of our meats and also to Moore Brothers to get wine. After that, it was on:

First course from Jeff and Niki:

Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches with Pancetta and Garlic Curry Aioli on a Potato Bun with Micro Green Salad paired with a 2007 Riesling.

Tim and Hallie's first course:

Surf and Turf Done Raw. A Scallop Crudo with Grapefruit Supremes and Local Cayenne Peppers as well as Beef Tartare with a Smoked Tomato sauce and Raw Egg.

It was paired with an Orange and Yellow Bell Pepper Gin Martini, with a hint of basil.

Jeff and Niki's second course:

Apricot, Tarragon and Honey Glazed Duck Breast with Fingerling Potatoes smashed with Bay Leaf, Cream and Pancetta (yum) alongside a Wilted Garden Rainbow Chard in Duck Fat with Lemon Juice. (I can't remember the drink pairing. Guys?)

Tim and Hallie's Second Course was a Grilled Chilean Seabass with Sauteed Garden Carrots and Local Peas- but the fish was bad (we're not sure it would have mattered anyway). Curses! And we won't mention the failed attempt at soybean puree (you wouldn't think it would be awful, but it was awful). Our second course basically a disaster. Oh well, on to Jeff and Niki's dessert:

Champagne with Blackberry and Basil Reduction along with....

(This is just a picture of greek yogurt full of brown sugar. Woah.)

Where was I? Right, the Champagne along with Barbecued Peaches topped with Brown Sugar and Greek Yogurt with a Sprig of Mint (in photo below in the glass in the middle)

Tim and Hallie's Dessert:

Rosemary and Olive Oil Cake with Strawberries and Lemon Whip Cream (on the plates) paired with a Sweetened Vodka Seltzer with Mascerated Strawberries and Mint (in glasses in the top of the photo).

Who won? Well, since we didn't really get to serve an entree, (although the carrots and peas were extremely yummy) we forfeit. Until next year!!!