Weber contest

Way back in January, we were down at Holger and Annettes for the second Weber grill contest. I'll admit I was experiencing some pretty big anxiety in the days leading up to the event - can't understand why something like grilling with friends should rouse the competitive spirit so high in me that I can almost feel sick....
Last time, a few years ago, the idea was that everyone brings their grill. H and A fill 2 crates with all sorts of different ingredients - one per team - and each team must then make a 3-course meal, using all the ingredients in the crate - and only on the grill. That time, I remember we had to boil spelt grain (smoked it in a portuguese pot) and do something with yeast and flour, among other more traditional grilling things.
This time at the last minute (and after a few pleas from us and another guest), Holger changed the 2-team format to something more open. Those who wanted to cook could just work together, preparing a 3-course meal for everyone else out of everything in the 2 crates. Oh man, was it great. Fun, too.

Just the highlights here, since this posting is so late. Here's what I remember best:
Hans (pictured above) made these little herring "sandwiches": 2 filets of herring smeared in dijon, holding chopped beets, parsley and fried red onions in between, grilled.

The kids made these skewers of hotdogs, lamb (marinated in yogurt), and veggies.

I did a variation on "beer butt chicken": I call it Tandori Max Chicken. Smothered the bird in tandoori spiece, then stuck it on a can of Pepsi Max. Oh my god that was incredible.

We put a whole brie in a foil tray and smoked it indirectly for a while. Holy smokes - this melty oozy incredibleness came out when we cut into it later - wonderful with the marinated figs (in strawberry/elderflower juice plus masala). Also great with the sliced pears dripped with lemon juice and greek yogurt with honey and nuts. (those weren't grilled!). Here's the dessert plate....

Can't wait til next time. Just glad I didn't have to wash dishes afterwards!