Strike while the coals are hot

Are you a dominator of the Dutch oven or a champion of the coals? Then why not put your culinary river chops to the test – and maybe win some gear money for your next river trip – at 4 Corners River Sports’ 4th annual Cast Iron Chef Competition? The cook-off takes place next 1-3 p.m. next Sun., April 19, in conjunction with the store’s annual gear swap, which happens all weekend long.

The competition will be limited to the first 10 teams (solo or tandem) that sign up, and entrants must make a meal large enough to feed 20 people (approx. 150 small portions). Although appetizer and dessert are not required, the winning team last year had both (hint, hint.)

Each team will have 1½ hours to cook, starting at 11:30 a.m., and meals must be ready by 1 p.m. No pre-cooking is allowed, although pre-prep (if that’s even a word) is OK.

A few other rules:

• Teams must use their own camp/river kitchen, tables and wash station for cooking. And you may only cook with what you would have on the river.

• 4CRS will provide plates, napkins and cutlery for tasters.

• All food expenses are assumed by the competitors. 4CRS will reimburse $150 to competitors to help with costs on April 17.

• Proper safety and sanitation practices will be required. No dirty river hands in the kitchen!

This will be a people’s choice format, with prizes awarded based on how many “votes” (tickets) each chef gets put into their jar. There will also be beverages and live music by Little Wilderness for your D.O. sampling pleasure.

In addition to bragging rights, and possibly a slew of river trip invites, Cast Iron Chef winners will receive a 4CRS gift card for $350 (first), $200 (second) or $100 (third.)

And in case that’s not enough, winners will also get the voice of the 4CRS employee of their choosing on their voicemail bragging that they are the best Cast Iron Chef south of the Animas River. Your mom – who is probably the only one to ever leave you voicemails – will be so proud.