Under sunny skies, this year’s Country Roads Cook-Off was quite a success. The fifth annual event took place Sunday on the Bridgeport Farmers Market grounds at Charles Pointe.

 

As determined by a panel of judges, Brenda Liston was the grand prize winner. For her creation of Cajun Chicken Dijon, Liston won a free weekend at the Appalachian Food and Wine Festival to be held July of 2016 in Charleston. The grand prize is courtesy of the Appalachian Food and Wine Festival and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

Taking home the People’s Choice Award was Saleem Quershi, who entered the cook-off this year for the first time. This year’s cash prize was courtesy of the Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau. The People’s Choice Award was determined through public tasting. After presenting his or her dish to the judges, each amateur chef provided 50 tasting samples for market goers’ enjoyment.

 

"We were very pleased with the response from the public once again for this year's cook-off," said Debbie Workman, president of Bridgeport Farmers Market, cook-off sponsor. "Hundreds came out to sample and vote for the dishes and to shop local. We want to congratulate all of the participants and winners and hop to see them back next year." 

 

Also competing were Sherry McDaniels, last year’s grand prize winner; Rick Johnson, last year’s People’s Choice winner; Cara Ewald and Mr. and Mrs. John McCullough.

 

Each contestant prepared one dish – an entrée, sandwich, soup, dessert or appetizer – utilizing some local/market ingredients in their respective recipes.

 

The cook-off was held during the regular weekly Bridgeport Farmers Market, which this week featured 47 vendors.

 

So far, this past Sunday has been BFM's biggest day of the 2015 season. Another big day is planned for this Sunday. Visit the Farmers Market between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

 

"We'll have 'Back Porch Raven' under the music tent and well over 45 vendors," Workman said. 

 

Editor’s Note: Pictured top/cover are Country Roads Cook-Off judges Mary Hunt, director of the Benedum Foundation; Bridgeport Mayor Bob Greer and Jay Mahoney, executive chef for Pierpont Culinary Academy.

 

Also pictured above is Grand Prize Winner Brenda Liston. Photos are by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com. See more images of the Fifth Annual Country Roads Cook-Off and Bridgeport Farmers Market HERE.