Battle Cheddar

So, the second game (on Nov. 15, 2008) was Battle Cheddar. Here, the winners of Battle Shrimp played Dave and Cybele.


Dave and Cybele, Dish # 1 (above) Käsespätzle with Buttermilk-dressed Salad

These German dumplings, and ode to Cybele's German parents, were topped with cheese, served with a salad dressed in buttermilk dressing.

Judges said: "Tastes like a Cracker Barrel casserole, but I mean it in a good way."


Brian tucks into a plate of spaetzle and salad. He says, "This salad is a little foppish."

Om nom nom.

He and Chris agreed, "It's good to be a judge."



Dish #2: Apple pie-and-cheddar grilled cheese

This powdered sugar-covered delight was a sweet treat. Judges debated whether it should have been served as a dessert instead, but in the end agreed that, regardless, it would make the best stoner food ever. "The only problem is," said one judge, "a place would have to be willing to deliver them by the dozens, late at night."



Dish #3: Papas Rellenas with a Black Bean Salsa and Cheddar Jalapeño Sauce.

This Dominican dish was an ode to Dave's heritage. It was by far the star of the day—mashed potatoes filled with ham and cheese and deep fried, then topped with several sauces, including a creamy cheese one. In a clever twist, Dave decided to do just this one dish, and forgo the team's "optional fourth" so as to focus on his one genius creation.

One judge remarked, "I'd order this in a restaurant. I'd order it again."

Note: After this game, the fourth dish became a requirement.



Becky and Sherri, Dish #1: Cheddar-Bacon-Chive souffle garnished with cheddar-filled brats.

The reigning champs took advantage of their right to go second. Their theme was "cheddar throughout the day," and their first dish was breakfast.

Judges loved the airy souffles, but hotly debated the bratwurst. In the end, they decided the best way to eat the brats was to bury them in the souffle.


Dish #2: Irish Cheddar Welsh Rarebit served with apple slices, cornichons, and a pint of Guinness (not shown)

This lunch dish was a tribute to their trip to Ireland together, and a blatant tug at the heartstrings of the judges of Irish descent.


Dish #3: Grafton Cheddar Truffle Cheeseburgers on Brioche with Green-Chile Mac and Cheese

A snarky judge said, "Truffle, ketchup, and pickle together isn't brilliant, assuming they used truffle cheddar." Another chimed in: "My guess is cheddar is more in the mac."

The dinner dish proved popular, though much conversation centered around the bread-and-butter pickle condiment, and the varying impressions of whether the chile addition made the mac spicy.



Dish #4: Carmar cheddar profiterole filled with cheddar mousse and topped with apple cider reduction

A hit—and perhaps the tipping point that made Becky and Sherri win again! The only complaint: It could have used more of the caramel-like apple cider sauce. Yes, those are some nit-picky judges.