Planet Follywood’s Appetizer Cook-Off brings out the competitive side of Folly’s amateur chefs
By Lorne Chambers | Editor
Planet Follywood’s annual Thanksgiving Pot Luck is always a great event that represents everything that’s good about Folly Beach — community, charity, and goodwill. This year’s was no exception. However, a week before the big feast, Planet Follywood ‘s matriarch Florence “Mama Flo” O’Donnell challenged locals and wannabe chefs to a friendly competition, offering locals a chance to show off their creativity and skills in the kitchen.
This round of Planet Follywood’s Appetizer Cook-off featured eight contestants, who presented a variety of dishes, from traditional to exotic. Three judges had first crack at the spread and were asked to judge on taste and originality. In the end, Diane Rackel took the title with her multi-part app that included Apple-chicken Liver Mousse with Pickled Veggies and Roasted Grapes, also a Brandied Bleu Cheese Spread served with crackers and crostini bread.
Second place went to Joann Stevens for her Pimento Cheese/Bacon Mini Cheese Ball Bites with Pretezel Sticks and Italian Meatballs and Gherkin Pickle and Ham Roll-ups.
In Third place was John And Lauren Peregrine who made a Tapas-style Chicken and Mushroom Dip, served with baked French bread. Their app was inspired from the Peregrines trip to Spain for their belated honeymoon.
Folly Current’s own Lindsey Chambers received an honorable mention for her Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread served with Nut Thins.
Prizes were given to the top four places and then the public was invited to enjoy the food.
If you think you have what it takes to find culinary glory at the next Follywood competition, stay tuned to the bar’s Facbebook page for other upcoming cook-offs, which they frequently held during the colder months. There will be a holiday cookie exchange at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5
