Holmdel Troop 131 Wins Big at Scout Cooking Competition

Holmdel Troop 131 set out on a culinary quest at the Alpine Scout Reservation in Alpine, New Jersey. The troop faced off against 24 other troops, mostly from Brooklyn, in a fierce competition to craft the finest meals. All the while, the heavens unleashed a torrent of rain, pouring down like cats and dogs.

This memorable excursion took place at the end of March where it totaled 3 inches of rain over the weekend. Equipped with every piece of rain gear imaginable, the scouts were determined to shine as the premier cooks at the Brooklyn Cook-O-Ree. What they hadn’t anticipated was that their culinary prowess would earn them the coveted first place.

The Cook-O-Ree started with morning educational sessions where scouts received instruction on an array of cooking techniques and recipes. The scouts eagerly learned to create a variety of dishes, including delicate crepes, fresh spring rolls, fluffy omelets, and indulgent deep-fried Oreos.

In addition to these delicious creations, the scouts were taught crucial kitchen safety skills. They mastered proper knife techniques and learned the essential temperatures foods must reach to be safely consumed. Under careful guidance, they chopped chicken, peppers, tomatoes, and onions, and discovered the art of seasoning.

The afternoon started the various cooking challenges, including a Dutch oven pizza making contest; and the PB&J Tower competition. The highlight was the Iron Chef competition, a 1 hour contest using secret ingredients. Over twenty troops vied for the top spot, each required to incorporate duck eggs, ramen, and bok choy into their dishes. Holmdel Troop 131 submitted two teams of Scouts: Team A crafted a chicken and vegetable teriyaki stir-fry with toasted ramen rice pilaf, and Team B prepared Argentinian skirt steak tacos with a side of ramen.

Under an outdoor pavilion with rain coming in sideways and cooking on compact camp stoves, the scouts showcased their skills. Both dishes were a hit, with the judges returning for more. The Assistant Scoutmasters also joined the fray, partaking in their own Iron Chef challenge. The results revealed Holmdel Troop 131 Scouts took both first and second place! The Holmdel Adult Leaders then took second and third place in their competition.

Holmdel Troop 131 has enjoyed three more outdoor adventures this spring. Scout Day in Philadelphia, where they toured historical sites and completed 3 merit badges. A Civil War camporee at Camp Citta in Ocean County, where they delved into Civil War history and reenacted 1760s daily life. Next up, in June, is a beach camping trip in Cape May, featuring a tour of Coast Guard cutters and training facilities, with a stop at the Wildwood boardwalk.

Troop 131 meets on Tuesday evenings during the school year at Indian Hill School in Holmdel. For more information, reach out to [email protected].