ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — In 1983, the first Angus Beef Cook-off was held to encourage the use of the Certified Angus Beef ® brand in the dishes juniors created, and in 2018, the 35th year of this event is one of the most anticipated contests at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). To add to the whimsy of the event, it was encouraged to create a theme, to dress and style the dish around, as well as prepare a presentation/skit for the judges focusing on the theme of the dish.
Participants are to create a dish using the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand, and these dishes were separated into three divisions, steaks, roasts and other beef items. Beyond these categories, the junior members are divided into age groups: 8-13; 14-17; and 18-21, with groups of 2-6, the age being determined by the oldest member of the team.
Sponsored by the Beef Education Committee of the American Angus Auxiliary, this event is always a favorite because of the fun and liveliness accompanied by the competitive streak running through all of these juniors.
Montana and Dakota Lovett were the skilled winners of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) division, where they were able to wow the judges with their recipe of the Cheeseburger Meatball Sub in the Other Beef Competition, Senior Division. This recipe uses CAB precooked meatballs to create an easy-to-eat meal that will remind everyone of a cheeseburger grill out, without the mess.
The Black Kettle Award is given to the team with the highest score overall, among all different age groups. In commemoration of Paul St. Blanc, who was an avid Angus producer and cook-off enthusiast, this award was presented to Virginia in the Senior Steak division, with their recipe of CAB Standout-mocha Rub Steak. This recipe is perfect for the coffee and steak lover who doesn’t want to compromise on flavor.
The CAB Cook-off Contest is an opportunity for all juniors to be involved in the activities of the show week, even if they do not have livestock to show. This opportunity is educational as well as fun for all juniors involved and will continue being a favorite competition throughout the upcoming years.
–Chloé Fowler, Angus Communications
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