Cook-Off Winner Dedicates Win to Mother

A Dublin woman dedicated her first-place win at the Dublin Farmers' Market 'Cabernet Cook-Off' to her mother. Kerrie Chabot's meatballs took first prize at the friendly competition on Thursday night.

[Related article: Dublin Seeking Competitors for 'Cabernet Cook-Off']

"The funny thing is I am actually not known for my cooking," Chabot said laughing. "I am 43-years-old and this is for my mom."

Four competitors vied for first place for the best meal pairing with AuburnJames Cabernet Sauvignon. Contest entries ranged from pasta with a meat sauce, beef stew, steak with polenta and meatballs. 

Chabot told Patch, via email:

"I've never made them before and totally invented the recipe by googling foods that pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon. I saw sirloin and I also read that Asiago cheese went well with it. I knew I only had about two hours in my day for this event and that it had to be easy to transport and to serve as a taste-test. So I melted Asiago with cream and fresh tomatoes and the Auburn James wine to make the reduction sauce. The 90 percent lean meats are from Gene's Fine Foods. Added onion and herbs, seared in olive oil in pan so they wouldn't fall apart in the crockpot."

The entries were judged on their texture, appearance, taste and pairings with the wine by Mayor Tim Sbranti, Dublin Councilmember Abe Gupta and Patch Editor Autumn Johnson.

Related Patch farmers' market cook-off articles:

• Dublin Business Owner Wins Salsa Competition
• Dublin Resident Wins Rib Competition
• Livermore Mayor, Wente Chef Matt Greco Win Mayors’ Healthy…
• 2 Teachers Win Dublin's Annual Chili Competition