On Sunday, September 25th, Big Sandy Church of God held its 11th Annual Brisket Cook-Off. This year's event featured 14 cooks, including 2 Big Sandy High School students. The event was well attended, with around 175 people coming out to eat lunch and vote on the people's choice. There was also a pie baking contest as a part of the cook-off. Cooks had the opportunity to win in both the Judge's and People's Choice categories.

The strongest showing of the day was Chase Hoffman, who has competed in numerous cook-offs. Chase has received several second place awards in years past. This year he won 1st place in the People's Choice category and 3rd place in the Judge's Choice. Chase explained that he "was really happy with the results and the quality of the beef was, once again, the true star of the experience. I haven't really changed much over the last few years, as the results have been right about what I want them to be. I've just been trying to fine-tune some things so that the product that gets set in front of the people is not only something that most can enjoy, but also something I feel proud of." Chase cooked this year with a blend of seasonings from Meat Church. He smoked the meat at a very low temperature for 15 hours overnight and increased the temperature in the morning to finish in time for the contest.

Severin Heimbinger, who attends Big Sandy High School, placed 2nd in the Judge's Choice competition. This was his first time cooking a brisket and entering a cook-off. Severin stepped in a couple of weeks before the contest to replace Lance Rutledge, who wasn't able to compete this year. Severin seasoned his brisket with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and other seasonings. He smoked with hickory and spritzed his brisket periodically with apple cider vinegar. He said he was surprised to place at all, though his bbq was quite delicious.

Jeremy Echols won first place in the Judge's Choice category. He is another cook who stepped in at the last minute when another cook was unable to participate. When I asked him about his recipe for success, he explained that he would not be sharing his secret recipe or techniques with me, as I am a regular competitor against him.

Rebecca Weihe took 2nd place in the People's Choice Award after stepping in at the last minute to cover for another cook who was unable to

participate. I won 3rd place in People's Choice with a brisket I marinated and cooked in a Dr. Pepper Chipotle sauce.

Holly Williams won the pie baking competition with a dark cherry chocolate pie.

Big Sandy Church of God appreciates everyone who came out to compete and enjoy the barbeque with us. We are also grateful for the judges who weighed the tough competition between both pies and briskets. Most of all, we are grateful to Jim Dumas and Hi-Line Packing for donating the briskets for the competition. His continued generosity and support has made it possible to put on the cook-off year after year.