The 24th Monday Night Potluck provided as much drama, tension and intrigue as is possible any food-based competition.
The battle for the podium was fought with tooth and nail, and fork and knife, coming down to a rare potluck photo finish.
In the end, Ryan and Destiny's surprise healthy victor Beet Goat Cheese Walnut Pie surged ahead to clinch a clutch win. Beet Goat Cheese Walnut Pie's 23 points narrowly edged out Linda Ralston's Bacon Wrapped Dates (20 points), Alli and Richard's Trusty Pecan Bark (19 points), Brian Munger's Crockpot Crack Chicken Sliders (18 points), Wendy and Earl's Candied Bacon (18 points) and Luke Skywalker's White Bean Chicken Chili (21 points, disqualified for Jedi mind tricks, illegal entry under a fake name and being the bartender's entry).
As the 18th and final MNP entry and fighting disadvantages that included no bacon products, no chocolate and no candying, Beef Goat Cheese Walnut Pie rallied around each other late in the second half to overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
On a night when Wisconsin blew a late lead and the national championship to Duke, it was at least one small victory for cheese.
It was another phenomenal potluck, and we couldn't have done it without your tremendous contributions. Without further ado, the potluckers and their dishes:
Luke Skywalker (aka Dr. Buckets aka Daniel Miller-McLemore) - White Bean Chicken Chili
Casey and Kristie Clark - Cuban Sandwiches
Beth Groundwater - Crazy Craisin Triple Chocolate Brownies
Eva Schiller - Lady Bugs (points for most creative)
Bev McArthur - Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Holley Adcock - Black Bean Dip
Bill Barr - Wild Rice Casserole
Brian Munger - Crock Pot Crack Slider Chicken With Cheese
Tyler Stafsholt - Kettlecorn
John Longhill - Salmon Caesar Salad
Wendy and Earl - Candied Bacon
Maria and Carol - Veggie Orzo Tofu And Feta
Heather Wickstrom - Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bites and Raspberry Fruit Stack
Linda Ralston - Bacon Wrapped Dates (2nd Place)
Alli and RIchard - Trusty Pecan Bark (3rd Place)
Nancy - Leftover Easter Ham - Turned Asia
Bryan Etkie - Meatballs and Ziti
Destiny and Ryan - Beet Goat Cheese Walnut Pie (1st Place)
The winners: Alli and Richard (3rd, left), Destiny and Ryan (1st, middle) and Linda Ralston and fam (2nd, right)
The grub
Chocolate Raspberry Pie Bites aka the most delectable morsel
Potluck will continue next Monday night (April 13) with eating commencing at or around 7 p.m., but we recommend showing up early to get a table. We can't wait to see what you bring next!
(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)