O.K. so you want to make it fun and want to have a decent number of participants. Let it be uncomplicated. I'd say allow people make their roux ahead of time if they want. Heck, let 'em use a jarred roux. Off topic for a second. I entered a gumbo cook-off many moons ago and people were blown away by a few participants. That year I came in second. having quite a few that were alright but not great and they even wanting to make a better gumbo, I let them in on some secrets and better ingredients to use. The next year it was a closer race and almost all gumbos were pretty damn good. Yeah, I won first place but I also made it a better for all competition. They learned what agood gunbo required!
So, let whoever use wahtever roux they want, whatever seasonings they want, because you know what? Just maybe whatever they use will make a damn good gumbo!
if you see it lacking, you tighten the rules for the following year.
BTW, I've only won 1st place in our thing twice, close second and I didn't compete for about the last four years.
You want it to be a friendly and fun competition.
You can still have prizes and raise a lil money for a charity and so on.
BTW, what is Little Angels?
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