Feeding the Masses

While we here at the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion are big believers in 'doing what works' and 'sticking with the tried and tested', we're routinely disappointed with tournament food. Fair enough if you're running Nationals and you've got 32 teams of highly motivated whingers coming to town ... we mean, you've got other things to do. But aside from Badman's gourmet pub burgers, and the occasional standout Halibut's of the past, there's not a lot going on at the food level at most Australian tournaments (we also partly blame Pat and Stick for not being flown out to more events).

There are a few simple options of course. Throw a variety of bread rolls into the basket. Some unusual lollies, or dips. Spend any spare cash on iceblocks. Throw some bacon and pineapple on that BBQ. Add some seasonal fruits to the usual apples and bananas - lychees, mangos, and all that.

All these thoughts came to us as we stepped from the mansion's vast kitchens into the library, and paused to examine Cooking for Crowds for Dummies by Dawn and Curt Simmons, and got a few new ideas to share. At the every least, remember, there are books out there that can help you estimate quantities ... often the hardest piece of guesswork any TD has to engage in.

Food dudes you see are markets are also worth approaching. Like the Churros guy in Brisbane. Now, don't ask them to set up shop and sell. Its too risky for them. But give them $x to come and provide 200 or so serves, and your players will be pretty impressed.

One thing we'd love to see more of at tournaments, and again are surprised it doesn't happen - home made desserts. Get four or five people to do some baking a few days before the tournament - you'd be surprised how easy it is to get baking volunteers!

48 Brownies (3-4 teams of ravenous frisbee players)

1. preheat oven to 180c
2. Combine 8 squares cooking chocolate and 375gm butter. Microwave for 2 minutes and blend it together well.
3. Stir in 1kg sugar (mmm, sugar) and blend it nicely
4. Mix in 8 eggs and stir in 500gm flour
5. Line all the pans you have with baking paper (leave the ends of the paper out, so you can remove the brownies).
6. Fill the pan with the mix to about 2-3cm deep.
7. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until its firm to the touch.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan.
9. Run a knife around the edge of the pan and remove the succulent brownies.
10. Carve up and store in airtight container.
11. Pick up large stick.
12. Give brownies to frisbee players.
13. Use stick to beat back frisbee players, while retreating to safety.