Manitou mumbo-jumbo cook-off puts gumbo to taste test

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Attention professional and amateur gumbo aficionados, it’s time to cook – and taste.

Mantiou Springs is hosting its annual “Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off,” which is part of its Mardi Gras Carnivale celebration Feb. 9.

Time to get out the New Orleans-style super secret gumbo recipe and put it to the taste test. “Gumbo” is defined as a Cajun soup containing a cooked roux, thickened with gumbo file (dried sassafras leaves). It has a variety of meats and or seafood, okra and other seasonings and is generally served over rice.

There are two competition categories, professional and amateur.

Best gumbo in each category wins $100; second place $50; and third place $25.

There is no fee for contestants and cook-off begins at 8 a.m. in Soda Springs Park. Judging begins at 10:45 a.m. with public tastings. It will cost tasters $1 for two tastes.

Applications to be in the cook-off are at www.manitousprings.org.

This year’s theme for the Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade is “Lucky 13.” Participation in the parade is free, just arrive at Memorial Park before 1 p.m.