The Story of My Life: BBWCC '12: Midwest takes the cake (pop!)

There's been a lot of hype for this year's Benz Birthday Weekend Cooking Challenge.

Team DeVries and Team Benz-Bethell had the honor of serving as judges this year. It was unbelievable. Un-be-leeev-a-bull!

I can't do this blog post justice. Let's cut to some bullet points:

The theme was Americana, in honor of the Olympics. Each team chose (or should I say Hazel chose, as she picked the slips of paper out of a hat!) a region: Team Benz (my mom and dad) had Northeastern; Team Heit had Southwestern; Team Benzo (Joe and Sara) had Midwestern.
Not going to lie: No one really gave the Midwesterners the credit they deserved, and as such, they were the true underdog in this competition.
The secret ingredient was beer, and each team showcased America's favorite beverage in a (or several) unique way(s).
The budget stopped at $100, making lobster a bit out of the question when considering the family headcount is up to 14 now.
Campbell proved to be a tremendous waiter/bartender, ensuring no one's drink went empty.
Taylor was so spoiled coming into this competition as a judge. I've slaved away in the kitchen every year and never came away a winner. Our seats at the judges' table were pretty much by default. Oh well. We didn't have to cook OR do dishes all weekend long.
My mom decided not to take the easy road by making clam chowder because she said she could do that in her sleep.
Team Heit went a bit over on the beverage budget, but with very good celebratory reasons (details to follow in the next blog post).
I need to close down the computer and will write more about this tomorrow. This is just a start. JUST a start.

The welcome banner.

My parents had these slick polos made up with the golden spoon embroidered. Fancy.

Cousins having a staring competition.

Taylor and I took a trail run down to Benham Falls. I didn't bring my camera along, but I got this short of him on his last interval. I was in the car. Wimping out.

Then we took a little float trip down the Deschutes. As judges, we had plenty of spare time.

Leeeo and Uncle T.

Leo and chalk.

Little game o' baseball out front.

Night 1: Traditional Northeast Cuisine

Night 1: Nana and Big Poppi tore it up with the Northeastern cuisine. Beer-battered shrimp started things off right.

The Lady really did her research, checking out Northeastern cookbooks from the library. The appetizers hit the spot.

Kielbasa and cornbread, homemade hummus, and the shrimp. Each piece had a story as to why it was incorporated into the menu.

"Sara, do you need a refill?" --Campbell

Hazel in her uniform just waving away.

Rum-roasted chicken, boiled potato, and some kind of traditional beer bread. Nana and Poppi also served a delicious Boston cream pie and a traditional Indian pudding for dessert. Where are those pics?

Night 2: Fiesta de la Team Heit

Elizabeth jumped in the kitchen as soon as the breakfast dishes were cleared, it seemed.

A salsa sampler and this delicious Texas caviar donned the appetizer table.

Great decos.

Team Heit kicked it up a notch for sure. Muy caliente.

The dudes.

Margaritas on the deck with sister Stef.

My mom and dad were the original reason behind the competition.

Time for a family photo shoot!

Bird and Hazey D.

It's hard to get all the kids and babies to look at the same camera at the same time.

Nana B., Big Poppi, and their grandkiddos.

Back to the dinner at-hand: Beer-braised pork shoulder tacos (corn and flour tortillas), with cabbage slaw, rice, beans, and grilled corn with queso fresco. Oh man. SO good.

Team Heit sharing their explanation of their meal.

Campbell chasing deer.

Churro cupcakes. OH. MAN! These were so good my mom got the recipe and made it into a cake the next day for my dad's bday.

Pinata time. Hazel's turn.

Then, Leo got a turn. And Campbell. Finally, J ripped the leg off the dude, and we all rushed for the treats. Great night of food and fun.

Night 3: A Midwestern's Night Dream

Sara and Joe chose a theme within the theme: Wizard of Oz. This is the "somewhere over the rainbow" and "follow the yellow brick road" beer cheese fondue extravaganza.

Extra points for the cute mini-crock pot at the judge's table.

More backyard deer.

In-between the bevvies, you'll find quite the condiment spread.

Perfect for a true Chicago-style hot dog.

This girl cleaned as she cooked, too, so there was no real mess in the kitchen. Amazing.

Homemade fries, the hot dog, and a true Midwestern HOT DISH. Each of these had a cute Oz-related name, but my notes are packed. I will add that later. It really helped pull together their meal.

Haze was ready for dessert...and the awards show.

Ruby red slipper cake pops...and, I must share these were some special Midwestern type of cake with red, glittery topping. More on that tomorrow, too.