cookoffs
Competitive kitchen showdowns
Cookoffs are cooking competitions where participants prepare dishes to be judged against each other.
The format ranges from casual neighborhood events to televised contests: The annual chili cookoff draws competitors from three states.
A cook-off tests skill under pressure, often with time limits or required ingredients.
Capsicum pod or stew
- barbecueSlow-cook over coals
- ribCurved chest bone
- brisketLower chest of cattle
- gumboSpiced Louisiana stew
salsa · dessert · amateur · professional · regional · festival · potluck · backyard
Decisive final confrontation
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- bracketSupport or category
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
finals · heats · qualifiers · judging · trophy · podium · rounds · contender
Cooking preparation instructions
- ingredientsParts of a mixture
- seasoningSubstance improving food taste
- grillingCooking on metal grates
- roastingCooking with dry heat
frying · sautéing · braising · simmering · baking · chopping · plating · garnish
Compare by sampling
- scoringEarning points in competition
- criteriaStandards for judgment
- panelDistinct flat section
- palateOral cavity ceiling
flavor · aroma · presentation · texture · originality · execution · feedback · elimination
chili
Capsicum pod or stew
gumbo · salsa · dessert · amateur · professional · regional · festival · potluck · backyard · charity
showdown
Decisive final confrontation
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- bracketSupport or category
elimination · finals · heats · qualifiers · judging · trophy · podium · rounds · contender · challenger
recipe
Cooking preparation instructions
- ingredientsParts of a mixture
- seasoningSubstance improving food taste
- grillingCooking on metal grates
roasting · frying · sautéing · braising · simmering · baking · chopping · plating · garnish · marinade
taste-test
Compare by sampling
palate · flavor · aroma · presentation · texture · originality · execution · feedback · elimination · deliberation
- chili cookoffCulinary competition for stews