A Cannon County teen has received the highest award in a regional 4-H grilling contest. Cannon County 4-H member Samantha Swoape for competing at the Tennessee 4-H Outdoor Meat Cookery Contest. More than 160 participants competed in the midstate this year from around 20 counties. As the first place winner for the region, Swoape was invited to compete at the Tennessee 4-H Outdoor Meat Cookery contest at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Members of 4-H in grades 7 through 12 can participate in this fun, practical contest that stresses safety, as well as cooking skills. Each contestant must start his or her own charcoal grill, prepare the meat, and cook it to perfection. On a four-person team, each member grills a different type of meat: beef, poultry, lamb, and pork. They are judged to make sure they start their fires properly, prepare the meat safely, and cook it to the correct temperature. Finally, the meat is judged on taste, texture, appearance, and originality of recipe.
Although her team placed 4th in the contest and only the top 3 teams advance, U-T Extension Service officials in Woodbury say this was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Cannon County 4-H.
4-H is the Youth Development program for University of Tennessee. 4-H teaches leadership, citizenship, and life skills to more than 302,000 youth in grades 4-12. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state, and federal governments.