Curry Cook off

In Alaska, each Sunday we would rotate eating at different family members' homes. We each had our specialties and rarely crossed over into the others' domain. At our house it was Mediterranean; at my mothers', good 'ol American meat and potatoes and Mexican dishes; and at the elder Jenkins' they took care of all Southern dishes. Other than maybe a simple stir fry none of us really attempted Eastern dishes. 

Chris and I really like curry but we've never found any recipes that knocked our socks off. Then we went to Dubai. At the Jumeirah Beach Hotel we ate a green curry that was so spicy good it made my nose run. I'd finally found a curry dish I liked above all others and it has become my ideal. 

Because I was nursing, I hesitated to try many ethnic dishes here, but no more. To celebrate we went to the Third Annual UDH Curry Cook-off. This was not a cooking contest for amateurs as you were judged on

• Best vegetarian curry
• Best non-vegetarian curry
• Best table setting
• Best costume
• Best kids costume.

Essentially you had to be the complete package. This is my gorgeous friend from India. Her curry did not disappoint. We met when she started bringing her sweet daughter to my Cardio Kids class last spring.

This Bahama Mamma made a Sweet Island Curry. Who knew the Bahamas could produce a family of blond haired blue eyed beauties? She is an amazing cook and as sweet as her curry. Her food is so good that if she can't make it to a potluck we will reschedule it until she can come.

Irene is from Kenya and works for my friend Maryanne. Before coming to Saudi Maryanne and her husband taught school in Kenya. Four children later they needed an extra pair of hands in the home so they were thrilled to be able to bring in Irene to help out. This woman can COOK. She loves to do it and it shows. Her spicy peanut curry was a total hit with me and many others. The combo of the sweet peanut and just the right heat made me want to stop trying all the others and just have a plateful.

Akmed is from Bangladesh and is in charge of the stables here. The equestrian group sponsored him and boy did he represent. He made two dishes. The first was a lamb curry. I am not a lamb fan but this was actually okay. But the other dish he made was an amazing lentil curry. He was my first stop of the night and I was so impressed and knew I was in for a good night.

13 tables later, my votes were cast for some of the cooks above. However, since they are ALL my friends I won't say who I voted for. After everyone voted a 20 foot buffet was open for us to enjoy for the rest of the evening. I was so stuffed I couldn't even eat a single thing. I am not sure why they thought they needed that after everything we had sampled. Unfortunately the boys' behavior did not allow for us to remain until the winners were announced. I'll find out tomorrow.

This cutie is Lana from Zach's class. Not only does she distract Zach with her cuteness in school but she also plays soccer with him. Her little brother is too young for the team but he loves coming so much he has a hard time staying off the field.