Chili Cooking {Contestants}

Placing first in 2010 and second in 2009, Peter and Joseph set their sights on reclaiming the Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-off trophy for Sacred Heart.  Their best efforts and buffalo-themed entry earned them second place and the trophy headed away with long-time Assumption chili cook-competitor, Kathy St. H.  One of sixteen entries in this year's contest, the boys' chili earned many compliments. Quite a few expressed surprise to learn that the buffalo chili entry was entirely their doing (save the earning of the dollars to purchase the ingredients). 

From the shopping and chopping to the serving and promoting, this cooking competition thoroughly engaged their imaginations and super competitive genes.  Peter made an extra effort to work the crowd prior to the close of voting, and confidently chanted out "number five" to encourage votes.  Of course, they counted on five family votes, plus two from Grandma Billie and Grandpa Cliff.  Winning over a few extra votes could have made the difference between second and first, but somehow the competition gained the lead.  Somewhat satisfied with second place, the boys considered it a hard-fought challenge against worthy opponents, all for a good cause.  Let the (buffalo) chips fall where they may!

Strategizing

 Peter takes a brief break from his chili station to visit at the table.

 Grand Knight, Tim introduces a visitor from Idaho.

Tim and Harvey count the votes at the annual chili cook-off. 

Happy with second place, though not thrilled, Peter and Joseph celebrate.

Joseph and Peter are congratulated by our pastor, Father Qui Thac Nguyen.

Mission Accomplished {Ezra Cooks}

Prep cooking team:

Ezra on garlic; Joseph on ginger

Ezra and the wok~ stir frying chicken

Dinner is served!

Ezra's chicken yakisoba stir-fry

It took two days to complete the project, but Ezra accomplished the required class make-up activity.  Dicing and slicing consumed all of day 1; and probably all 2.5 hours of required make-up time.  However, the teacher's instructions were to prepare a family meal, record all the ingredients and processes and provide comment cards for each person at the table.  And today, Ezra brought home the bacon, so to speak.
A delightful chicken yakisoba dinner was enjoyed by all.  Most comment cards came back with 5 stars, so clearly Ezra's meal was a crowd-pleaser.  To top it off, Ezra completely cleaned the kitchen and put away (almost) all the food.  His write-up may not win any awards for legibility, but it's evidence of a job well done.

As an aside: Tim's pretty sure Ezra won't be willingly missing any more school days at the culinary arts vocational training.