A few years ago my children, all of whom are grown, decided it would be a fun activity to have a family Christmas cook-off. As you might suspect, when we get together, we have really good food.
They made up the rules and bought a trophy that could be passed on year after year. The little trophy is a little chef with the words “King of the Grill.” Even though we’re not actually grilling, this still works just great.
Some members of the family who aren’t into cooking that much, just go along for the ride, while other members are a bit more competitive. It all adds up to great fun and great food.
The rules were agreed upon, printed and passed out to everyone. Here’s our official Hardaway cook-off rules list. It might give you some ideas for your own family cook-off.
The Official Hardaway ChristmasThe Hardaway Christmas Cook-off began in 2003 and has remained an exciting way to celebrate Christmas with friendly competition in the kitchen. The forgoing rules were established in 2005 to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the competition. The funds required to enter are for fun and to help fund the pot. If you really cannot afford to eat, then let us know so we’ll know the number of portions to make because the King of Grill does not slave away for peanuts!!!!!!!
4 FOOD CATAGORIES FOR COMPETITION
MAIN DISH SIDE DISH DESSERT APPETIZEREACH DISH IS $5.00 TO ENTER THE COMPETITION. YOU PICK THE CATEGORY YOU WANT YOUR DISH (OR DISHES) TO COMPETE IN.
THE WINNER OF EACH CATEGORY WILL COLLECT PRIZE MONEY FROM THAT CATEGORY.
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO ENTER THE COMPETITION, BUT WANT TO EAT, YOU MUST DONATE $5.00 PER PERSON WHICH WILL GO TO THE OVERALL POT FOR THE KING OF THE GRILL.
KING OF THE GRILL IS THE PERSON WITH THE HIGHEST TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTES REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF DISHES OR CATEGORIES ENTERED. THUS KING OF THE GRILL WILL WIN THE $5.00 PER PERSON FEE FROM THOSE THAT DO NOT BRING ANY FOOD. KING OF THE GRILL WILL WIN BRAGGING RIGHTS AND A SPOT ON THE KING OF THE GRILLChristmas COOKOFF APRON & WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR YEARS TO COME.
EVERY PERSON WILL RECEIVE 4 CHIPS TO VOTE WITH. YOU MAY VOTE ON EACH DISH OR YOU MAY USE MORE THAN ONE CHIP TO VOTE ON A SINGLE DISH. YOU MAY USE YOUR VOTES AS YOU PLEASE.
CHILDREN MAY NOT VOTE IN THE OFFICIAL CONTEST, BUT WILL HAVE A SEPARATE CHILDREN’S VOTING JUST FOR FUN.