2019 Chain of Lakes Eggfest - Winter Haven FL

We had a fantastic time at the 2019 Chain of Lakes Eggfest this past weekend in sunny and warm, Winter Haven, FL.  An "Eggfest" is a BBQ and grilling food festival featuring teams of Big Green Egg enthusiasts serving their most creative and tasty dishes cooked on the chromatically named kamado grill.  It is all for a good cause, the proceeds from this event benefit the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club.

Nibble Me This was on hand to serve as a cook team and to perform a cooking demonstration at the event tent.  Here are the behind the scenes pictures of the fantastic time that we had with friends new and old this weekend.

It was an 11+ hour drive for us, so Alexis and I left Knoxville under cover of darkness.  We loaded the truck the night before with everything we would need so we could just get up and go.  Preplanning is the most significant factor in enjoying yourself when cooking at an Eggfest.

While we were on I-75, our teammate, Sean, showed up early and helped with the assembly of dozens of Big Green Eggs of all shapes and sizes.  The Eggs used at these events are brand new and used only this one time.  They are sold as "demo Eggs," limited lifetime warranty intact, for the lowest prices that you will find.

Friday was prep day.  Another key to having a blast at an Eggfest as a cook team is to prepare any and everything that you can BEFORE the event.  Ideally, at the festival, you should only be grilling and serving.  

Prepping Rolled Flank Steak with Bacon Jam and Smoked Gouda for our grilling demo and for sampling. 

Fire Roasted King Ranch Chicken Casserole

[FTC Disclaimer] We received no compensation for this post.  Two of the links are Amazon Affiliate links.

Alexis and I have been on a leftovers purge for the week because our freezers have gotten too full.  Last night, our freezer dive resulted in enough treasures to make Eating Well's Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole. 

Of course, we changed it up a little bit, mainly because of what we had on hand or what we didn't.  And of course, we did ours on a kamado grill - a large Big Green Egg.  I think the fire roasting absolutely adds to the dish.

Steak and Eggs

[FTC Disclaimer]  Technically, this is not a sponsored post, as I have taken a break from sponsorships this year.  However, in the spirit of transparency, we still have a close working relationship with the folks at Certified Angus Beef® Brand and Thunderbird Wings.

I love breakfast for dinner.  Chicken and waffles.  Huevos rancheros.  And of course, steak and eggs.

Prime ribeye, Yukon gold hash browns, fried eggs, and some of our home cured and smoked bacon. 

Alexis and I shared this for dinner the other night when she found a USDA Prime, Certified Angus Beef® Brand ribeye steak at our Food City.  I'm so glad that Food City carries the Prime grade. I don't get Prime every time but it is a treat when we do. Being less than an inch thick, it was perfect for steak and eggs for dinner. 

Alexis and I were sous chefs for Trace Scarborough of Thunderbird Wings at an event last year.  He gave me this new beef rub that he had in development - Bravo.  It is based on the Mexican mole sauce profile - earthy, deep, rich chile, smoky, and with the most subtle hints of chocolate.  I love that unique approach to a beef rub.  I've had to be quiet about it until now because it is finally out for sale.