09.12.2011 A coleslaw throw-down... my losing streak ends here!
Draft 1: You may recall my whining last year about never winning any cooking competitions that I enter. I over analyze, over strategise and generally take myself too seriously. I mean, who really cares if they win a coleslaw contest or not? Please forgive my competitive side, I know it's not attractive and I'm working on it... but for now, ahhhh the sweet sweet taste of victory!
With all this smugness, I'm sure you are wondering what big competition did she win? Was she on the Food Network? Did Bobby Flay show up and challenge her to a coleslaw throw-down? Well no, actually it was a coleslaw competition at our church picnic. But I don't care... I snared the coveted cabbage trophy! And now it's all mine... mwa ha ha! (my evil laugh)
Draft 2: Last weekend our church had a Rally Day picnic to kick off the year. Fried chicken was provided and there was a friendly coleslaw competition where everyone brought their best coleslaw recipe to be judged by Father Edward. All the coleslaw looked so delicious, I don't know how he could have picked just one. Oh the surprise when he called my name... I humbly went up to claim the cabbage trophy. (blush)
Well you choose which draft you'd like to read. To all church clergy, I direct you to Draft 2. Seriously, it was another terrific Rally Day... fun and fellowship was had by young and old and everyone in between. I mean what kid wouldn't want to go to a church with a giant water slide in the front yard. Water sliding for the Good Shepard... it made perfect sense to the kids!
My strategy was to find a coleslaw recipe that wasn't the traditional mayonnaise based version. This recipe is colorful and refreshing, dressed with lime juice and olive oil and a little kick-o-spicy (the judge, Father Edward hails from Cajun Country)
So for a twist on traditional coleslaw, try this "award winning" slaw!
Coleslaw with Cumin-Lime Vinaigrette
(my recipe adapted from Bobby Flay's recipe of course)
1/3 cup lime juice (plus 3 limes cut into wedges for garnish)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 dashes Tabasco pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 carrots, peeled and shredded
1 medium green cabbage, shredded
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
In a food processor combine the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic, Tabasco, and salt and pepper. Combine the rest on the ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Click here for printable recipe.
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Reader Comments (12)
What a blessed event and wonderful pics. I love the background trunk..;)
What a wonderful event!
Congratulations! The winning coleslaw looks so tasty and beautifully present!
I have been meaning to make coleslaw for awhile. Thanks for the recipe, it sounds good. I am bookmarking it.
Like Draft1,much more fun:)
So you actually played a trick on Father's senses, knowing where he is from , adjusted the seasoning!
Very evil :)
I love this fresh take on coleslaw. I'm not a fan of overly mayonnaises coleslaw.
This is just great for the wastline and compliments a variety of main courses. It was so good. A fun read.
heheh loved how you shared both of your drafts :P and congrats on the coveted cabbage trophy :D this looks like something id enjoy way more than the traditional coleslaw..never liked how they are soaked in so much mayo! so colourful and im sure super tasty :)
Great fun! And your slaw looks really tasty! I'm not a slaw fan normally because I don't go in for mayo but yours looks fresh and clean and not globby at all! That's a slaw I could get into :)
I love cole slaw, and really like what you did with this recipe. Great flavors!
This is all so charming! I love how fun the event looks. Your lime-adorned slaw seems terrific and no food poisioning possibility with the omission of the mayo! That always scares me at gatherings where the food will sit out for hours. You are such a winner anyway I'm glad you feel acknowledged for your slaw!
You are hilarious. :-) Congrats on your win!!! The dressing for your salad sounds fantastic. :-)
Boulder Locavore (Toni) I agree... it always scares me too if something with mayo sits out for hours. No mayo here!!