Steven Morelock takes ‘crown’ in Irish cooking contest

A new King Leprechaun has been crowned.

Steven Morelock won the Troy University Irish Cooking Contest at the university Monday. For the first time since the Blarney Stone was kissed, someone other than Gary Chinberg has won the annual Irish Cooking Contest.

Chinberg abdicated the throne and Morelock stood ready and waiting to claim the crown with his Leprechaun Cake or the Green Velvet Cake, which is an Irish variation of the red velvet cake.

Morelock also won the dessert division of the Irish Cooking Contest with the Leprechaun Cake. It was a sweet victory over the other entries that included original and unique dessert treats.

Morelock, who is a rather accomplished cook, said he couldn’t take all the credit for the big win. He had to share it with Wilma Rodgers, who shared the recipe with him.

The first time Morelock tried baking a red velvet cake using the family recipe, he used baking soda rather than baking powder.

“Of course, the layers didn’t rise and were a little on the dense side.”

Practice makes perfect and Morelock has perfected the red and green velvet cake.

On St. Paddy’s Day, he baked layers that were as light as a feather and a moist as the dew on Irish spring morn. On Monday, he submitted the cake for judging and won the title as King of the Irish Cooking Contest.

His platter of Reuben sandwiches went like hotcakes and Morelock also took the Irish green ribbon with his main dish.

And the winners all around of the Irish Cooking Contest were gentlemen, as perhaps it should be for a St. Patrick’s Day cook-off.

David Laliberte took, both the appetizers and side vegetable divisions with his spinach, French onion, cheese and secret ingredient appetizer and his “what’s all in it” pasta salad took the salad division.

Judges for the contest, Michelle White, with Greenwood and Hall, and Cody Farrell, incoming SGA president, said every entry was worthy of a green ribbon. They both made a “courtesy” lap around the table before the contest was opened to the students.

“Just to make absolutely sure, we have made the right decision.”