Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Toast Ambassador Contest-Part Two!

As we continue our journey through the amazing day of competition at the Unilever Test Kitchen hosting the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Toast Ambassador contest, we are finally arriving at the main event. After our Quick Fire was complete, and the amazing Bren was awarded top honors and an additional 5 points towards her score for the main event, we returned to our stations to make our original recipes.

I want to break here to say that the ladies that were assembled as finalists were some of the loveliest ladies I've had the pleasure of competing against. Throughout each round we stopped to check in on each other, lend a hand when needed, and generally just encourage each other. It felt far more like a group of girlfriends cooking together than each of us pitted against each other. I have to give a hats off to you ladies for making the experience so fun!

That said, when I got back to my station, the game face was on and I dove into my recipe full force, taste testing each component, and making sure that the flavors blended together just right. The pesto blended it's way into it's beautiful vibrant self, and the jam and cheese came together with wonderful salty and sweet balance. The crostini toasted to a beautiful golden brown, and I flipped them, spread them with my cheese mix and popped them back into the oven. A few moments later, the cheese bubbled, and it was time to remove them from the oven, drizzle the arugula purée over the top and plate them.

I presented my dish to the judges, and then it was out of my hands. I have to say this was the least amount of nerves I've ever had during any competition.

After each contestant had had time to present their dish, the judges left to deliberate and we stuck around to take photos, and chow down on each others creations. I have to say-sooo glad I wasn't a judge! Every dish was delicious! Every flavor well layered and each incorporation various textures and techniques. I was thrilled to get to eat away!

The fabulous Brook from Cheeky Kitchen, with her amazing Girlfriend Toast (toasted topped with marscapone cheese, fresh raspberries and lemon zest) took home the grand prize, and it was definitely well deserved! Her creation was simple, yet perfect, and really felt like a special treat to enjoy. I will be recreating this one in my own kitchen!

2 comments:

Jen said...

Sounds like such a great trip. Bummer you didn't win, but everything sounds delicious.

Emily @ A Cambridge Story said...

Sorry you didn't win... your dish looks delicious! When I competed (and lost) a soup competition, i was totally cool with it. It's just fun to be part of these events!

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