Crossroads hosts 'Iron Chef' Goodfellow

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Four teams gathered at the Crossroads Student Center for the semi-finals and final showdown of Goodfellow's rendition of 'Iron Chef' Oct. 26.

The base chaplains hosted the program and chapel student leadership ran the activities.

"One of the great things about it is, it helps the students who organize it develop their own leadership skills," said Chaplain (Capt.) Robert Bohnsack, 17th Training Wing. "They have to recruit volunteers, organize and take care of important details like welcoming the wing commander."

Four teams competed in the semi-finals: Team Honey Badger, Team Tai, Team Momma's Home Cooking and the A-Team.

After being given a "secret ingredient" of citrus to incorporate into their meals, the semi-final teams each had 30 minutes of prep time and one hour of cooking time to complete their meals. The three course meals consist of an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert that are judged for creativity, taste and presentation.

Judges for round one, comprised of prior service students from the 315th Training Squadron, provided feedback and rated the teams' dishes.

Although the A-Teams dessert was a favorite among the judges, it could not prevent Team Honey Badger becoming the first team to make it to the finals at the end of round one.

At the end of round two, Team Momma's Home Cooking advanced ahead of Team Tai.

A 315th TRS student and member of Team Momma's Home Cooking, played a key role in the team's success due to her love of cooking.

"I like to come to crossroads and cook," she said. "I thought it would be a fun time to have that competition and challenge yourself."

As the final showdown commenced, cheers went up among the finalist when the event coordinator announced the "secret ingredient," pumpkin.

The final competition, judged by Col. Kimberlee Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, Chaplain (Maj.) Christian Biscotti, 17th TRW, and Giselle Nicolai, wife of Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Steven Nicolai, 17th TRW, saw both Team Honey Badgers and Team Momma's Home Cooking tie for first place.

According to Bussom, it was a fierce competition.

"They (Team Honey Badgers) were so creative and we were really creative. If I had been a judge I would have had difficulty deciding who was the winner and I think it was fitting because I thought both teams did really well," said Bussom.