Imperial Iron Skillet coming to town

■ Editor’s note: This is the third in a series to announce the upcoming Smokin’ on Broadway events.
    Smokin’ on Broadway has not one but several different cooking competitions for all the connoisseurs and enthusiast out there.
    For chefs not skilled or interested in barbecue contests, Smokin’ on Broadway is holding an Iron Skillet competition.
    This competition is loosely based off popular TV shows “Iron Chef” and “Diced.”
    “In kicking around ideas, a friend mistakenly said “Iron Skillet”,” said Carolyn Lee the competition’s coordinator.
    There will be two categories, appetizers and desserts. Each contestant will be given three surprise ingredients for their dish. The ingredients for the appetizers will be different than the dessert’s.
    Contestants will receive their ingredients Thursday, June 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lied Imperial Public Library, take them home and bring the finished product back Saturday, July 1, at 11:30 a.m. to the Imperial City Office parking lot.
    Contestants are allowed to use other ingredients to create their dish. The coordinators, however, only provide the three surprise ingredients.
    All participants will also receive a chef’s hat.
    The competition will begin at 11:30 a.m. with warming tables and coolers provided to keep dishes hot or cold.
    “To clarify, skillets don’t need to be used in preparing anything. The ingredients won’t be anything weird,” said Lee.
    Three judges, all former Imperial residents, will decide first, second and third place. The winners will receive $100, $50 and $25 in Chamber Bucks for each competition.
    Any leftover food will be available for sampling, if contestants agree.
    Entry forms are available upon request at Hill’s Family Foods, Imperial Super Foods, the Imperial Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/smokinonbroadway, the Imperial Republican or by contacting Lee at 308-882-4502 or 308-414-1157.
    Registration forms and fees of $20 per category or $35 for both categories must be returned to the Imperial Republican or mailed in to Smokin’ on Broadway PO Box 148 Imperial, NE 69033 by June 17.
    The story in last week’s newspaper about the on-site paint competition had the wrong address. The correct address to mail in any and all Smokin’ on Broadway registration form/fees is Smokin’ on Broadway PO Box 148 Imperial, NE 69033.
    “We’re hoping for a great turnout, good food and lots of bantering and fun,” said Lee.