CASSOPOLIS — Ring Lardner Middle School librarian Amy Archer settled a score with her son Saturday at the eighth annual Backyard Chef, claiming $500 and the grand champion grill trophy.

Last summer, after winning reserve champion in 2011, Archer brought Chris, home from the University of Michigan, and he swiped the title.

“When he went back to school, it was like, ‘Mom, if you need cooking tips for anything, go ahead and call me,’ so I absolutely feel vindicated” by quieting his trash talking.

It remains to be seen whether she “goes out on top” and becomes a judge or returns in 2014 to defend her title, as Chris did.

Archer, who lives on Barron Lake Road in Cass County, received first in charcoal beef with a burger stuffed with jalapeno poppers on a pretzel bun.

“The propane beef was a tenderloin with parmesan cheese and garlic butter,” she said. “My side dish was prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.”

“He took Friday off work — he works at (U of M) since he graduated. We went to the store, then had a good, solid 10 years in our kitchen (Friday) preparing. It was serious work. He was invited back to be a judge” of 38 meat dishes evaluated on presentation, taste and tenderness.

Midwest Energy sponsors the contest.

“I wish my ribs had placed,” Archer said. “It was the first time I ever cooked ribs, with a whiskey, pineapple and cherry barbecue sauce. I really enjoy the competition and the people out there. A lot of us come back.”

 

Propane beef

 

Amy Archer, first, $100

Ryan Little, second, $50

Chris Archer, third

 

Propane pork

 

Chris Archer, first, $100

Ryan Little, second, $50

Mark Vantubbergen, third

 

Propane poultry

 

Mark Vantubbergen, first, $100

Ryan Little, second, $50

Amy Archer, third

 

Charcoal beef

 

Amy Archer, first, $100

Augustus Alard, $50

Mark Vantubbergen

 

Charcoal pork

 

Ryan Little, first, $100

Michael Gard, second, $50

Amy Archer, Augustus Alard and James Brazo (tie), third

 

Charcoal poultry

 

Michael Gard, first, $100

Mark Vantubbergen, second $50

Augustus Alard, third

 

Reserve grand champion — Ryan Little, 316.58, $250

Grand champion — Amy Archer, 318.86, $500

 

Side dish

 

Amy Archer, first, $100

Ryan Little, second, $50