MOUNT VERNON — Those who enjoy the delicacy of lamb received a special treat at the fair Wednesday afternoon at the 2011 Lamb Cookoff following the open class sheep show.
Contestants were to prepare dishes made with lamb as the main ingredient in an effort to promote the sheep industry in Knox County.
Judges tasted each dish and took their own personal notes on which dish they thought was the best. Those observing the judging could then sample the yummy dishes as well.
“The loin and potatoes with a mint sauce was delicious,” said judge Jim Stoner. “I grew up eating lamb. It’s great that they were willing to take chances and do something different.”
“It was all very good,” said judge Russ McGibney. “The roasted potatoes and lamb were nice together. The mint sauce was a good enhancement to the flavor. The lamb stew had a nice thick sauce. It was precooked and browned, and was very tender.”
Selected as winners in the competition were Hannah Smith in the junior division with her loin and potatoes, and Ellen Cooper in the senior division with her lamb stew.
“I cooked the potatoes separate at first, then put them together so that they caramelized,” said Smith of her dish. “This is just the second dish I have tried.”
“I’ve been cooking lamb for 10 years,” said Cooper. “It was all homegrown ... the lamb, the herbs, the veggies, all of it was ours.”
