Outdoor cooking classes/cook-offs at local reservoirs

This year's outdoor cooking classes and cook-off at the Upper Wabash Reservoirs, sponsored by Bozarth Country Store, are just around the corner.

Those interested can sign up for the property of their choice: J. Edward Roush, June 20; Mississinewa Lake, July 11; Salamonie Lake, Aug. 1.

The first-place winners of each property will compete in the Oct. 24 Champion Cook-Off at J. Edward Roush Lake.

This event is open to campers and one-day visitors.

Marvin McNew, director of Upper Wabash Interpretive Services, said, “I’ve always been amazed at how people can make wonderful meals with the simple tools of charcoal and cast iron.”

For those who aren’t too sure how to do so, or who would like to pick up a few pointers, there will be an outdoor cooking class from 1–2 p.m. at the respective campground program shelter (J. Edward Roush, Kil-So-Quah; Mississinewa, Miami SRA Modern Campground; and Salamonie, Lost Bridge West Modern Campground).

The outdoor cook-off will be held in the same program areas from 2 – 5:30 p.m. on the respective days. All participants/teams in the Cook-Off will be charged a $10 fee per entry per property, supply all food ingredients, cooking utensils, charcoal and starter, and use Dutch ovens. All foods must be prepared on the program site.

Each entrant should plan to cook one entrée and one dessert, with enough of each to allow up to eight people to sample. Judging will be at 6 p.m. with prizes awarded afterward. Each property’s first-place team will earn a Dutch oven.

Each property will have one-first place winner. That winner will be eligible for the Championship Cook-Off, Oct. 24. Entrants may register for one or all properties; however, first-place winners are not allowed to compete on more than one property. The championship winner will earn a tripod, lid lifter and other outdoor cooking accessories.

Property entrance fees apply. There is a $5 daily weekend entrance fee ($7 non-Indiana resident) to enter the Upper Wabash Reservoir properties. Indiana residents may purchase an annual entrance permit for $36. Those age 65 or older may purchase the annual Golden Hoosier Passport entrance permit for $18.

Visit dnr.IN.gov/uwis for details on special events. Or, for more information, call Upper Wabash Reservoirs Interpretive Services, (260) 468-2127, or visit the Salamonie Interpretive Center.