By Staff
Morgan County Cattlewomen host annual beef cook-off
The annual Morgan County Cattlewomen's Association Student Beef Cook-off was held Oct. 14 at the Morgan County Agriculture Extension Center in Hartselle with 46 students competing for the top prize.
The contest hosted sixth grade through senior students who were judged in junior and senior divisions. It was required recipes be original and contain one pound of beef with no other meats included.
Winners of the junior division were: First place–Matthew Hand, eighth grade, Falkville High School, Szechuan Beef and Snow Peas; Second place–Caitlen Trey, Union Hill School, Make Ahead Lasagna.
Winners of the senior division were: First place–Ashton Clemons, senior, Hartselle High School, Apple Harvest Kabobs; Second place–Sabrina Fay Carr, senior, Falkville High School, Waikiki Festive Beef; Third place–Christina Rodriguez, senior, Brewer High School, Christina's Cheeseburger Bake; Fourth place–Ashley Hill, sophomore, Falkville High School, Sweet and Spicy Meatballs; Fifth place–Matt Holt, junior, Brewer High School, Matt's Hamburger Casserole.
Szechuan Beef and Snow Peas
First place, Matthew Hand
Junior Division
1 pound boneless, tender beef steak (sirloin, rib eye or top loin)
4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
2 tablespoons beef broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup canola oil, divided
12 ounces fresh snow peas, trimmed
2 medium onions, cut into chunks
2 medium tomatoes, cut into chunks
4 cups hot cooked rice
Slice beef across grain into thin strips. Combine 2 tablespoons each cornstarch and soy sauce with beef broth and garlic in small bowl. Stir in beef. Let stand 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine water, remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/4 cup soy sauce and red pepper. Set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in large skillet over high heat, Add beef and stir-fry 1 minute. Remove from pan. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in same pan. Add snow peas and onions. Lightly sprinkle with salt and stir-fry 3 minutes. Add beef, soy sauce mixture and tomato. Cook and stir until sauce boils and thickens and tomato is heated thoroughly. Serve over cooked rice. Garnish as desired.
Kabobs
Cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces
1 pound top sirloin
1 red apple
1 green bell pepper
1 can pineapple chunks
1 Vidalia onion
Marinade
Marinate top sirloin for desired amount of time
Moore's Sauce
Balsamic vinegar dressing
Sauce
Ingredient amounts to taste, blend well
Apricot preserves
Strawberry preserves
Maple syrup
Mustard
Ketchup
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Crushed red pepper
Kosher salt
Light coals and bring grill to high heat. Place vegetables and marinated meat on long bamboo skewers, alternating the vegetables. Make sure onions are split adequately so they will cook quickly.
Baste skewers with sauce and place on grill. Grill over medium heat, basting and turning frequently until desired doneness. Figure about 9-12 minutes for medium rare.