Base wide brisket cook-off competition set

  • Published
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Proud brisket-cooking teams are currently being sought for a brisket cook-off competition set for noon July 17 in front of the commissary here. Teams can come from any on-base organization and must consist of three people. 

The commissary meat market manager, Mr. Ruben Gomez, has agreed to sponsor up to ten teams by providing their brisket for the competition. Additional teams may sign up but the brisket will be at their own expense. 

Each team is responsible for picking up their brisket from the commissary no earlier than 5 p.m. July 13. Teams will prepare the brisket by whatever means they desire; however, they must ensure the final product is completely cooked and all three team members are ready to present by 11:45 a.m. July 17. 

Additionally, teams will be required to prepare at least two side-dishes and one simple dessert that can each serve a minimum of 15 people. These items will not be officially judged, but they are a requirement in order to qualify as a viable team for competition purposes. One member of each team will be required to present the brisket to the judges while the remaining two team members serve the team's side items to other members from around the base. Supplies for preparation of the brisket, side-dish, and dessert will be out-of-pocket expenses but should not exceed $30. 

Judging for the competition will take place in front of the commissary at noon July 17 by a panel of five judges. 

"This will be a fun competition and a tasty treat for the members of Laughlin Air Force Base," said Capt. Nicholas Williams, 86th Flying Training Squadron and event organizer.  "The judging panel will evaluate the brisket based on presentation, texture, tenderness and taste with the top three teams being chosen as winners." 

The first, second, and third place winners will receive $100, $50 and $25 gift certificates to the commissary respectively. During the judging, members of the base can stop by and enjoy some of the brisket that has been prepared by the teams. A fourth prize of $25 will be awarded based on votes from members of the base community. 

Registration must be completed no later than 5:00 p.m. July 14 by contacting Capt. Nicholas Williams or 1st Lt. Clifton Johnson with the names of all three people, their contact information, and the team name. Captain Williams can be reached via e-mail at nicholas.williams@laughlin.af.mil or 298-4784 and 1st Lt. Johnson at clifton.johnson@laughlin.af.mil or 298-5443.