Despite the threat of rainy weather, the Southeast Area Farmers’ Market Greens Cook-off and Green Tomato Festival brought out some great cooks and delicious tastes. Chef Lewis Williams and , manager of the Linc Up Soul Food Cafe, brought two, huge pots of cooked collards — his Mama’s secret recipe — for market patrons to sample.

The event’s judges awarded prizes to the three greens dishes gathering the most tallied points. Points were given for taste, nutritional value, presentation and wow factor.

• First Prize: Andy Geelhoed, greens made in ham-bone broth. Andy won a $75 gift certificate to our market cake vendor. He plans on using it for his mother’s upcoming birthday.
• Second Prize: Alita Kelly, spicy vegan greens. Alita won a $50 gist certificate for Country Life Natural Foods. Alita was thrilled as she already had a Country Life Order in mind.
• Third Prize: Darlene Gibbons, kale and collards. Darlene received a gift certificate to LINC UP Soul Food Cafe. Darlene can’t wait to go enjoy delicious soul food without having to cook it herself.

Thank you judges, Anthony King and Anja Mast, who also brought some amazing green tomato chow chow for all to enjoy. And, a very  BIG THANK YOU to LINC UP Soul Food Cafe for co-sponsoring the event!

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