1 • Wednesday, June 6, 2018 - The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide
Serving the communities in Jo Daviess County
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Scoop Today
VOL. 84 • NO. 23
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018
Rapped with Smoke takes top honors in ACL BBQ competition By John Day
CORRESPONDENT
On Memorial Day week-end the usual holiday atmosphere at Apple Canyon Lake was filled with the scent of burning wood. And, as a tempting haze of aromatic smoke drifted past the old fire station the First Annual Smoke on the Water Barbecue Cookoff got under way. As part of the holiday weekend local volunteers in Apple Canyon Lake called the “Apple Corps” organized a barbecue competition. Jon Sonntag, volunteer and grilling enthusiast him-self, headed up the effort to bring together a group of competitive barbecue cooks for a contest. “We’ve only got three competitors here today,´ Sonntag said. “Unbeknownst to us the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBBQS) is holding a competition in the Chicago area. Never the less, we think this will be a fun event and folks here on the lake will get a chance to taste some great barbecue.” The contestants or Pit Teams, were Rapped with Smoke from Freeport, Show Me Smokers from Lanark and Smoke by 10 from Scales Mound. Judging the en-tries were Shaun Nordlie, Mary Hannon and John Day. In addition to having organized the event, Sonntag presided as chief judge and would vote only in the event of a tying score. Sonntag also kept track of the running scores as each kind of meat was judged. The rules for judging were those used by the KCBBQS in major events all across the country. Each contestant was required to
present a sample of the meats being prepared in a timely fashion. Those meats were chicken, ribs, brisket, pulled pork and sir-loin. The judging criteria took into account such attributes as presentation, sauce, smoke flavor, appearance, pull apart tenderness, color and smoke rings as well as flavor. The nuances of how a sauce was spread over the meat or the color of the finished foods can be crucial. Although the judges did not know which contestants food was being tasted with each bite, it was obvious that the competition would be a close race. The subtle differences in cooking methods can make huge differences in taste and appearance. Each pit team has their own secrets and methods. “We’re a new to this, it’s our first year,” said Dan Cogan of the Smoke by 10 team. “Obviously, we’re hoping for success. Equally important, however, is knowing that people enjoy our food while we’re having a good time. We think the key to winning is the cooking.” Rapped with Smoke founder, Calvin Stalls, Jr. has been cooking barbecue for 15 years and in Freeport for the last two years. Stalls, along with his partners, Robert Webb and Michael Williams have a pretty basic approach to grilling. “It’s all about smoke,” Stalls said. “Smoke gives the meat a special color inside and out. It gives the food special flavor. That’s where the barbecue meets the sauce and the meat.” Shawn Livingston of Show Me
Smokers has been doing competitive barbecue for about 10 years. For the past three years he and his partner Kevin have been entering contests here in northwest Illinois. “You can’t rush the cooking,” Livingston said. “It’s a slow process. That’s how the meat is tenderized and flavored.” As the judges tasted bites of chicken legs, ribs and the other offerings,
the qualities and characteristics of each sample were scored. Differences in sauce and smoke flavor as well as tenderness played an important part of the scoring. Sonntag, who was keeping track of the individual scoring categories said, “This is going to be close. Over all, the teams are separated by single digits.” When the smoke settled, Show Me Smokers finished second with Smoke
Water & Environmental Program Funds are in The USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) have been funded at larger-than-expected levels. If you have been looking for funding opportunities for those needed infrastructure improvements (new water tower, replacement of old water transmission or sewer collection lines, update treatment facilities), now is the time. Applicants: Most state and local governmental entities Public entities (special purpose
districts) Non-profit organizations Federally recognized Indian tribes Communities: Populations of 10,000 or less Need more information? Go directly to info on the WWD program (Water & Waste Disposal) Go directly to the USDA RD Illinois website Locate the Illinois Field Office nearest you Having trouble opening the above links? Call our IL State Office at 217403-6202
Memorial Day
by 10 coming in third. Rapped with Smoke took home first place. As team leaders accepted trophies and cash prizes, each expressed thanks and a hope that the con-test would be back next year. Accepting the first place prize for Rapped with Smoke, Stalls said, “We look forward to being back. In the mean-time, all of these pit teams can be found on Facebook to help you with catering.”
TONY CARTON PHOTO The Scoop Today
Apple River Memorial Day Services were hosted by the American Legion Albert-Shelby Post 298 and provided a stirring tribute to area men and women that served and are currently serving in the armed forces. Other participating organizations included American Legion Warren Post 464, and Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 928.
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