"All-americanCasseroleContest" news and stories

Photo: Jessica S. Ralat.

Is there anyone whose grandmother hasn't served a casserole surprise, cobbled together from leftovers or the contents of the cupboard, and topped with cheese, potatoes and/or fried onions? And is there anyone who hasn't winced when it reached the table?

On Monday, the State Fair of Texas held the All-American Casserole Contest. Sixteen competitors -- mostly of the geriatric set -- entered casseroles in three categories: vegetable, chicken and meat.

The panel of judges, at first, gobbled entry samples with gusto. Once the initial excitement waned, however, the judges paced themselves for the long haul. Then the power went out.

Lest you think technical difficulties might have impeded the culinary tête-à-tête, Slashfood is here to remind you that cooking competitions are serious business at fairs nationwide. No dysfunctional lightbulb was going to halt these casseroles and their creators! Find out who won and see photos from the fair after the jump.