Morgan County Cattlewomen sponsored their annual Beef Cook-off at Brewer High School on Thursday with 48 participants competing in the senior division and 22 in the junior division.

Laura Saint, a junior at Austin High School captured first place in senior competition with her “Sweet and Sour Hawaiian Beef,” a new recipe she created using boneless beef cubes, pineapple and other flavor-enhancing ingredients.

Danville Middle School student Kirby Posey emerged as first place winner in the junior division with his “Beefy Enchilada Casserole.” His dish was also a “first try.” It featured ground beef, cream soups, chopped chilies and tortillas.

The top winners in each division received cash prices of $75 and $50 respectively. They also qualified to compete in the State Beef Cook-off in Montgomery on Jan. 19, 2013.

Runner-up winners in the senior division were: Nick Henderson, Brewer High School, second place; Cassie Morgan, Brewer High School, third place; Jenna Blankenship, Priceville High School, fourth place; and Courtney McGhee, Brewer High School, fifth place.

Danville Middle School’s Lane Crow came in second in the junior division and Bailey Marquette, a student at Priceville Junior High, finished third.

Junior division winners in the 2012 Morgan County Beef Cook-off, from left, are Bailey Marquette, Priceville Junior High School, third place; Lane Crowe, Danville Middle School, second place: and Kirby Posey, Danville Middle School, first place. | Clif Knight

Entries were judged by Jimmy and Gina Smith, Lynn Frateri, Jeanette Hensley, Marsha Roberts, Hugh Henry and Ann Winsett.

While the judging was taking place, contestants viewed a video presentation by Brewer culinary arts teacher Debbie Gillon and some of her students. The subject was “Making and Garnishing Beef appetizers.”

Afterwards, contestants were served beef appetizers made by Brewer students, in addition to a hamburger meal.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to showcase beef dishes and have an opportunity to get to know each other and share their ideas,” Gillon said.

“Our judges had to make some very difficult decisions to make” said Laura Vest, president of the cattlewomen. “The food was well presented and very good. You are to be commended for your participation.”

The Alabama Beef Cook-off Program helps educate students about the important nutritional value beef contains. It also familiarizes them with various cooking methods and emphasizes safe food handling procedures.