Kids Cooking Competition to Be Part of EffingHAM JAM

Shows on various television networks feature cooking competitions. Several of those feature kid cooks.

Now, that same sort of competition is being offered in Effingham.

The Chamber Foundation of Effingham County is hosting a Kids Q Barbeque Cooking Contest as part of the EffingHAM JAM event. The Kids Q is sponsored by The Equity, and is for kids age 8 to 13. This event is scheduled for this Saturday from 2 through 4 pm on the Effingham County Courthouse Lawn.

Each team must have at least 1 adult (18 years or older) present at all times. The adult is only allowed to set up, light the grill, cut meat and check the chicken for doneness. The adult may not help the child cook, season, or baste the chicken. The chicken will be provided to the teams. A turn-in box will be provided for “blind” judging. Garnishment of your box will be limited to any type of green lettuce, parsley or cilantro only.  Each team is responsible for all recipe ingredients, garnish, tents (not mandatory), utensils, cookware, and holding temps. The contest will provide the chicken, grill, charcoal, and lighter fluid.

Professional KCBS judges (Kansas City Barbeque Society) will “blind” judge each entry and participation awards will be given to each child. Grillers will be judged on the following: Appearance, Tenderness, Flavor, and Overall Impression. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be awarded. Prizes will be awarded during the Awards Ceremony at 4:30 pm on Saturday.

The team entry fee is $20 and a team may have 1 or 2 children per team.

For more information contact Becky Brown at 217-342-4147 or  bbrown@effinghamcountychamber.com. Contest entry forms and a full set of rules can be found at www.effinghamjam.com/#contests and are also available at the Effingham County Chamber Office.