Pleasing to a King

By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Texas Metro News

The celebrity judges in attendance did not take their jobs lightly. They possibly packed on a pound or two! The Collard Greens and Cornbread Cook Off during the Realizing the Dream Healthy Living Expo on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 20, 2025 at the African American Museum in Dallas had tastebuds dancing with praise.

Founded by Cheryl Smith, publisher of I Messenger Media LLC, which includes the publications I Messenger, Texas Metro News and the Garland Journal, the Healthy Living Expo brings the community together to take charge of our health and well being. In its ninth year, many flooded the museum to take part in the vendor showcase, health screenings and fun. Each expo includes a cookoff of some of Dr. King’s favorites. Inside the solarium, serious business was being handled.

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Harrison Blair, Fox 4 News reporter Steven Dial, WFAA News 8 reporter Scoop Jefferson, Retired Dallas Municipal Judge Victor Lander and Silky Smoove, the alter ego of At Ease products owner Ozell Graham all served as celebrity judges for the cookoff. Seven variations each of collard greens and cornbread were entered. The judges took their time, giving attention to each entry in the categories of: look, taste, texture, smell and overall.

Congratulations to Jackie Williams whose Collard Greens with Smoked Neck Bones came out on top! Cheron Sneed’s cornbread won first place in its category. See winners list:

COLLARD GREENS 

1st Place *WINNER – Jackie Williams – Collard Greens with Smoked Neck Bones

2nd Place – Chef Fe (Felicia Guimont, OMG Cakes) – African Greens (Vegan)

3rd Place – Chef Fe (Felicia Guimont, OMG Cakes) – Collard Green Dip with Smoked Ox Tails

HONORABLE MENTION

Chef Fe (Felicia Guimont, OMG Cakes) – Collard Greens with Double Smoked Turkey Neck

Janel Tanner – Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Wings

Gwendolyn Hardy – Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

CORNBREAD

1st Place *WINNER – Cheron Sneed – Cornbread

2nd Place – Chef Fe (Felicia Guimont, OMG Cakes) – Honey Butter Cornbread

3rd Place – Chef Fe (Felicia Guimont, OMG Cakes) – Cajun Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Jackie Williams – Honey Buttermilk Cornbread

Janel Turner – Cornbread with Diced Jalapenos

Chef Fe (Felicia Guimont, OMG Cakes) – Hot Water Cornbread (Vegan)

Gwendolyn Hardy – Cornbread Muffins

Thanks to all who entered the cookoff this year!