Summit Fall Cook-Off

The Summit Fall Cook-Off was a success, with over 40 neighbors in attendance and 11 dishes in the competition.  Everyone reported having a great time, and that they would like to see more of this type event in the future.

The event featured apple dishes prepared by residents such as apple cakes, apple pies, an apple galette, apples & cabbage, celery apple gazpacho, mini muffins, and more.  The vote was by People’s Choice, with everyone in attendance getting one vote toward the winner.  We ended up with a two-way tie for 1st place and a two-way tie for 2nd place, so we decided to have a showdown vote.  Very exciting!

(Photo by Kerry Kohring)

1st Place went to Davis Spohn of Lancaster Street, who’s Apple-Jalepeno Pie was the talk of the evening.  More than a gimic, the flavors really worked well together, and the first place prize was well deserved.  If we get a hold of the recipe, we will post it immediately.

We then had a tie for 2nd Place, even after the re-vote.   Melissa Vanzetti of 10th Street (and SNA boardmember!) placed with her Quinoa and Apple Salad with Curry Dressing.  She asked that we be sure to report that she got the recipe from Martha Stewart (see below), but we know that a dish is not all recipe, but also part execution!  SO here is the recipe, straight from Martha: http://www.marthastewart.com/314107/quinoa-and-apple-salad-with-curry-dressi

The other 2nd Place prize went to Gretchen Mackenzie of Burlington Street, who’s Boiled Cider Cookie Bars were a huge crowd-pleaser.  I personally ate three, and I have been dreaming of them ever since.  The boiled cider for these is made by Grethchen’s uncle, Willis Wood, on his farm in Vermont.  (www.woodscidermill.com).  It was featured on a show by the celebrity chef Emeril last year and is also used in one of the cocktails at Cook & Brown on Hope Street.

Boiled Cider Cookie Bars

Crust:

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. flour

Mix well and pat into a 9×13 pan.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Topping:

2 eggs

1/2 c. milk

3 T flour

1/3 c. maple syrup

1/2 c. boiled cider

All winners received $25 gift cards to Hope Street merchants, one for Seven Stars, one for Swan Liquors, and one for Frog & Toad.

Honorable mention to Dylan and Ethan for their superb Apple Mini Muffins.  In fairness, they did originally tie for 2nd place, but got knocked out in the tie-breaker vote.  Guys, make sure you come back next year to claim your crown!

Our event also featured a beer, hard cider and wine tasting provided by Swan Liquors on Hope Street.  We got to enjoy an IPA,  a porter, a hard apple cider, as well as three varieties of wine.

A huge Thank You to our host, Seven Stars!  We appreciate their being such excellent and eager supporters of SNA, as well as other neighborhood events.  Please support them, Swan Liquors, and all Hope Street merchants with your business!