Great Aussie Smoke Off
2009 FIRST GREAT AUSSIE SMOKE OFF REPORT
Nearly 200 people gathered together on the lawns of Ballast Stone Winery in Currency Creek to participate in the first Great Aussie Smoke Off hosted by the Winery on behalf of Cittaslow Goolwa and the Currency Creek CFS. As 16 different team gathered around their Weber BBQs, a representative from Weber Australia shared advice on how to get the best from the BBQ kettles. Each group had its own secret recipe of herbs and spices. Although it was a competition, sharing ideas and companionship was the order of the day.
‘Twas just before Christmas when out on the lawn
at Ballast Stone Winery some circles were born.
The centre of each had a barrel and kettle
With a chef or a cook who was right on their mettle.
Lighting a fire takes all sorts of tricks
But the Weber man used all his skills for a fix.
A secret concoction of herbs and of spices
Were used along with some unusual devices.
Some teams were larger and some only small
But the creative endeavour was there for them all.
Then it was time to sit round with our friends
While the heat and the smoke created taste blends.
A lid would be lifted – and what would appear?
A horde of onlookers – for a taste might be near.
And then it was time to see who’d done the best
To provide a great ham that would pass every test.
And right at the end when a vote had been taken,
They all were heard saying, “You must be mistaken.”
For rather than dousing the fires when they’re hot
The CFS won – the best of the lot!
So now is your chance to make plans for next year
For the Aussie’s great Smoke Off will bring Christmas cheer.
2010 was another successful event with more than 200 people competing as the best. A lot of effort went into presenting samples of their cooking for the judges to try. Birk's Harbour won the overall prize.
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