Big purse awaits winner in Dutch oven cook-off

The CasaBlanca resort in Mesquite, Nevada will serve as the backdrop for an interesting cooking competition set for January 7 and 8, 2011. Around 30 competitors from across the nation are expected to prepare and keep food hot for the inaugural Mesquite Open Dutch Oven Cook-off. The winner will claim the impressive $5,000 purse. The event's coordinator, Arlie Bragg, says chefs from several states including Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California have already inquired about competing. Participants will prepare three pots with different items including breads, a main course and dessert, all cooked in Dutch ovens. "This is absolutely competitive," said Bragg, explaining that the contestants cook with charcoal. "They will cook gourmet items like crown roasts and salmon. The cooks use tables that are 18-inches off the ground, and they have very strict rules. They will be judged on ingredients. There is going to be an incredible amount of culinary work going into this event." Competitors taking part in cook-offs know that preparing the food is only half the battle. They also need to keep food hot for judges and others attending the event to eat. Using wire chafing stands is an ideal way to achieve this goal.