for those of you who have ever sailed on a Royal Caribbean Ship – there is usually, 1000 in the morning on a sea day, a cake decorating contest. Mostly the Master of the vessel vs the Cruise Director/Hotel Director; the goal is to put together and serve a Blackforest cake.  Dark chocolate layers, cream frosting, cherries, some shaved chocolate.  Did I mention the Kirschwasser?  At least one of the cakes will be swimming in so much alcohol that it almost floats off the plate.

Carly (one each Welsh Cruise Director) came up with a new spin. A la Iron Chef, they are having a cook off in the Centrum, 1100 each day.  The contestants, all staff officers, were dressed in traditional chefs jackets and aprons. Presented with a surprise box of ingredients, today’s task was to create a salad in 15 minutes or less.  The tables for the contestaants were in the centrum. The bar counter behind them had a full range of garnishes, condiments and dishes.  The judges platform was on the steps facing the action.

Describing the action shouldn’t be difficult since I had a “ringside” seat.  Surprised? As I normally will do just about anything to stay out of the spotlight I still don’t understand why I agreed to be part of this insanity. No. I am not cooking. Most know better than to suggest that.  Married over 36 years to a wonderful guy who still honours the agreement: I don’t do kitchens or bathrooms.

Nope, I am one of the three idiots sitting on the judges platform with the opportunity to taste the offerings and render judgement.  Not quite the “fit/not fit for human consumption” comedy routine that one of the vets and I pulled off in Kuwait for the command BBQ but still….  Based on the points awarded collectively by the three of us, one contestant a day will have to “Hit the Road Jack”   Today it was Paul, the Refridgeration Engineer.  It was a case of ooppps.  Forgetting an ingredient doesn’t do much for your score.

I will try and have pix in the morning.  Meanwhile, this is turning out to be a lot more fun than drunken cake!