The brainstorm of Kelli Rissetto, the Special Day Class teacher on the Escalon High School campus, the recent Crock Pot Cook Off was a success – and made the hallways of the school smell pretty good on Thursday.

According to one source at the high school, the event sparked not only the food making competition but also some good natured ‘trash talk’ amongst the participants regarding whose crock pot creation would come out on top.

Designed also as a way to bring the high school staff together, the cost to ‘taste test’ and vote for favorites was just $3 and provided those taking part with a well-rounded lunch.

Noting that sometimes teachers only get to see each other in passing or in collaboration meetings, the goal of the cook off was to bring them together in a fun, relaxing way.

There were 13 entries in the contest and the first place prize of $50, a trophy and “bragging rights” until next year’s event went to Alina James and her chicken adobo. Second place and $20 in earnings went to Sue Gentry for her crock pot meatballs and the third place prize of $10 went to Paul Anserlian and his beef tacos.

Only one vote separated Anserlian from the fourth place crock pot apple cobbler entry.

Diners got to vote for their top three crock pot favorites, then the votes were tallied and the winners announced.

Attendees agreed it was a great way to bring the staff together and enjoy some good food at the same time.