Sausage King contenders, Luke Orchard and Eliesha Walker, from Namoi River Meats, hope to snag another string of awards at Friday’s judging in Tamworth.
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The local gourmet sausage specialists took home 10 awards at regional and state finals of the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) Sausage King and Best Butchers Burger Competition last year and hope their new recipes will be a hit with judges at the regional heat on Friday.
Luke and Eliesha have entered 20 flavours in six categories, with recent sell-out favourite; duck, candied fig, pistachio and orange; and new addition chicken, strawberries and cream sure to tantalise the tastebuds.
Last year’s winning combinations of beef, sweet chilli, cheese and onion; and minted lamb and bush honey are on the menu again this year.
Luke has more than 65 varieties of sausage recipes that he alternates each week, having learnt the ins and outs of sausage making while completing an apprenticeship in a gourmet sausage shop on the coast.
“He [Luke] is pretty confident this year,” Eliesha said.
“He’s got some really great ones and is determined to get to nationals with the beef, sweet chilli, cheese and onion recipe.”
The sausages are judged on their uncooked and cooked appearance, as well as taste and texture.
Eighteen regions will compete in the contest and the winner from each region will proceed to the final to determine the finest sausage makers in the state and be crowned the coveted title of Sausage King.
The state final will be held in Port Macquarie in September, followed by the nationals in Queensland in February, 2016.
