Posted by WBNG News, NY on August 04, 2008 at 12:13:06:
By WBNG News
Do you know what it takes to whip up a winning spiedie?
Spiedie Fest's Cooking Contest is the place for people to put their recipes to the test.
Every chef has a secret ingredient for success.
Chefs show off their skills behind the grill at the 24th Annual Spiedie Cook-off.
They're trying to cook their way to the top..
To claim the bragging rights for the best spiedie in town.
"I've pouted a few times when I didn't get either second or first place," said Bob Rosati of Willet.
Bob Rosati's in his 15th year of competition.
He has placed in the top two, nine times.
He uses his own ingredients, including home-grown garlic and herbs.
This year Rosati added a new spice from the Caribbean to his recipe.
"It's quite good, and it's hard to come by, so you can tell people what it is and let them try and find it I guess."
"18 teams are competing in this ring of fire. They're grilling up poultry, pork, lamb and beef," said Action News reporter Julianne Sweeney.
"Well. It's everybody's individual tastes, what they want to cook as far as meat is concerned. I'm going this year with bison, buffalo."
A group of 6 judges from the Chef's Association is doing the taste testing.
The contestants are judged on flavor, tenderness and juiciness.
"Always the bridesmaid. The runner-up the last two years," said Sam Battaglini of the Town of Union.
The Battaglini family's looking for a first place win.
They're hoping a family recipe will lead them to victory.
"It's a family secret passed down from my father from his father."
The contestants are also judged on their presentation.
Not only does a spiedie have to taste good, it has to look good too.
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