In a first of its kind competition, chefs up and down the scale of professionalism will compete to produce the best "stoup" (a mash-up of the words “soup” and “stew”) in a parking lot in Grand Ledge on Oct. 25.
There’s one catch: three-fourths of the ingredients must be from Michigan.
Sponsored by Michigan Envirothon to raise funds for its high school student environmental competition, the stoup competition is planned for people wishing to cook and those wishing to taste.
The goal is to promote sustainable agriculture, farmers markets, backyard or community gardening as well as Michigan beers, wines and ciders which will be available.
Chefs need not seek licensed kitchens. Organizers will provide washing stations and limited electricity. Chefs should bring their own cooking equipment, a table and a propane burner, if needed, to the Red Salamander parking lot in Grand Ledge.
Organizers suggest visiting farm stands now to find out what will be in season in late October.
Tickets are available for $25 online, $30 at the door, and cover tastes of all the stoups and four drinks, either beer, wine or cider.
Envirothon is a non profit statewide environmental competition that gives high school students outdoor, hands-on experience with nature, agriculture and the ecology that surrounds it.
Source: Ginger Bardenhagen, Sustainable Stoup
Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs editor, may be reached here.
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