Pie Iron: Cooking Contest & the Birth of the Pie Iron Man!

Here at Rome central, we love to hear about the fun people have using our pie irons. Last year I began corresponding with a group of campers from southern Wisconsin who were going to hold a Pie Iron cooking contest during their annual campout. Wow did they get into it. Going as far as creating a Pie Iron superhero! I'll let the ringleader of the group, Kathy explain futher -

"We have a group of campers that get together every August for the Persied Meteor Showers. We call ourselves S.P.A.M. - Special People Admiring Meteors. Meteor watching at night, cooking contests during the day!

2006 was the year of PIE IRON MAN! Inspired by Rome Pie Irons, of course. We even had shirts made up with our favorite Rome Super Hero on it! There were 12 contestants and 3 very lucky judges. Campers made a variety of pies using everything from tortillas to doughnuts and fillings of pineapple to shrimp. Our judges tell us they were delicious. Our champions, Kurt and Liz won a fabulous trophy and other useless prizes. But their big award was bragging rights for eternity!!

First Prize: Pie Iron Pizza Pockets by Kurt & Liz K of Burlington, WI
Ingredients:
Flour Tortillas
Sauce
Sliced Pepperoni
Ground Italian Sausage
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Seasoning

For the Sauce:
Your favorite Marinara or Pizza Sauce
Italian Seasoning
Dash of Worchester Sauce
Dash of hearty Red Wine
Garlic Powder
Black Pepper

Preparation:
Add wine, Worchester, and seasonings to taste to the sauce and cook down to the consistency of tomato paste. Brown the Italian sausage and pepperoni slices, drain on paper towels. Lightly butter insides of pie iron. Place tortilla in bottom half of iron. Spread 2 Tablespoons sauce on tortilla. Add a layer of sausage, pepperoni, and cheese. Cover with additional sauce. Place second tortilla over the top, close the iron and trim off the excess. Brown the pie evenly on both sides. Remove from iron and let rest a couple of minutes. Cut into wedges and top with additional cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Use any leftover sauce for dipping.

Marinade chef with any leftover wine.

2nd place: Caramel Apple Pudgy Pie by Stephanie D of Brookfield, WI:
2 slices of cinnamon bread
4 caramels
3 tbsp. apple filling
2 tbsp. butter

Unwrap the caramels. Butter the hot pie iron and the bread. Put one slice of bread butter side down on the pie iron. Scoop the pie filling onto the bread. Evenly space the caramels on the pie filling. Add the top piece of bread butter side up and close the pie iron. Toast the pie in campfire hot coals until the bread is golden brown, and the caramel is melted. Now make 10 more, because everyone wants one!

Third place: Ummmmm - Shrimp Pie by Doug J of Palmyra, WI
1/4c. cooked shrimps
4 cloves of roasted garlic
2 T. alfredo pasta sauce
Put in between two tortillas and slow roast in hot coals.

The Judges

The classic Wisconsin Beer Tap Trophy

I have a pie iron and I know how to use it!

Kathy I hope the casting wasn't hot when you put your hand that close

Kit pulls out his antique toas-tite

The battle's on!

Pies waiting to be tested by the judges

foccacia with a dash of culinary art garnish

Our 1st place winners - Kurt & Liz