The Natchitoches Farmers Market was the scene of an intense culinary battle on June 3. The Farmers Market, a popular local tradition, hosted the fourth annual “Battle of the Badges” cookoff between the Natchitoches Fire, Police and Sheriff’s Departments. The contest featured chefs from the three departments cooking dishes based on beef donated by Trotter Beef. The first responder chefs then roamed the market looking for ingredients and sides from the many vendors at the market. It was a hard-fought contest worthy of a hit cooking show as firefighters, deputies and police officers worked furiously to complete their meal before the clock ran out.

The judges had a hard time indeed picking a winner from three sets of superbly cooked dishes with some really innovative presentations.  After some debate and extensive tasting, the judges named the Natchitoches Police Department this year’s champion chefs, unseating the reigning champs from the sheriff’s department. 

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