TABASCO^® Cook & Ladder^® Competition

Trading in their turnout coats and Scott packs for aprons and spice racks, firefighters across the U.S. compete for the title of America’s “Hottest” Firehouse Cook and a $10,000 Grand Prize in the TABASCO^® Cook & Ladder^® Competition.

The first TABASCO^® Cook & Ladder^® Competition took place in New York City in 1994 at the French Culinary Institute, and evolved into a series of regional cook-offs staged throughout the United States in 1995 and 1996. In 2000, McIlhenny Company held the first-ever national TABASCO^® Cook & Ladder^® Competition in New York City at The Institute of Culinary Education. The second was held in 2002, and the competition continues to be held every two years.

Read about the 2008 winners

2008 Winning Recipes
Mount TABASCO® Chocolate Lava Cake
Chipotle Mac-n-Cheese
Southwestern Chipotle Cioppino

2006 Winning Recipes
Southwest Glazed Rack of Lamb with Smoky Grits
Twisted Brownie Sundae
Barn-Burning Baked Catfish Wrapped in Bacon

2004 Winning Recipes
Baja Tequila Shrimp Rolls with Tomatillo Sauce
Caliente Rum Cake
Cajun Red Snapper with Lime-Cilantro Beurre Blanc and Spiced Candied Pecans