ESSAY Contest Winner - Heads to Chuckwagon Cooking School

Jessica Probert

Story by Roger Edison

Kent and Shannon Rollins operate one of the most unique, as well, one of a kind culinary schools in the nation. Each spring and fall, they hold their semi annual Chuck Wagon Cooking School at the Red River Ranch in Byers, Texas. The school teaches students the culinary art of cowboy cooking using cast iron dutch ovens, all in an authentic setting working from a restored 1876 Studebaker wagon. Sourdough biscuits, baking pie crust and brewing up that rich taste of strong cowboy coffee are all part of Kent's school where cooks learn how to cook just as they did for the wranglers who herded cattle along the trail drives over 140 years ago. 

Kent's accomplishments for his culinary talent has earned him numerous awards including the uncontested title as the Official Chuck Wagon Cook of Oklahoma, given to him by the Oklahoma state Governor. He also won the Chuck wagon Cook-Off Championship at the National Cowboy Symposium Celebration held in Lubbock, Texas and the Will Rogers Award for Chuck Wagon of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists. Featured on QVC, PBS, The Food Network's "Roker on the Road" and "Throw-Down with Bobby Flay." Kent entertains with a passion as both a modern day cowboy, story teller and one of the nations finest cooks. 

Recently, the Rollins offered a Contest for a scholarship to attend their cooking school. The rules were simple. Submit a 500 word essay explaining, "Why you want to attend Chuck Wagon Cooking School." Within days of posting the contest, Essay's from contestants flooded the Red River Ranch Chuck Wagon mail from across the nation.

Filtering through all the entries, they sorted each into piles. As Kent and Sharron searched for the finalist, it wasn't difficult deciding the winner after reading an entry submitted by Jessica Probert of Vale, Oregon. 

“When college age kids reach the last few semesters of their schooling they start hinting to their parents about wanting cars and such as graduation gifts. I asked my parents for a chuck wagon. I attend culinary school in Idaho, but one skill they fail to teach are Dutch oven and cowboy cooking.” 

Jessica is a true cowgirl who currently works ranching while attending school where she recently transferred into the Culinary Arts program with College of Western Idaho located in Nampa, ID. She had previously been working towards a major in Early Childhood Development and Education just under three years at the University of Idaho when she realized her love of the western lifestyle and cooking is her dream. Jessica stated, "I decided that I just couldn't be a teacher for the rest of my life and wanted to perform a career I already enjoy doing."

Her parents, Dan and Suzy Probert, own and operate the P-Ranch of Vale, Oregon. Although, Jessica explains not the historic P-Ranch once owned by Peter French listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Dan Probert, originally from Enterprise, Oregon and Suzy is from San Juan Bautista, California where both grew up in a ranch environment. Twelve years ago, the couple move to Vale where today live on their Ranch working out of the office as Country Natural Beef runs the ranch.

"I have a huge passion for horses; it’s been passed down through my family," explains Jessica. Continuing, "My dad taught my brother Russell, who is currently 18 years old and myself, everything we know. I have been involved in rodeo for as long as I can remember and definitely love ranch rodeos. Team branding is my favorite event."

Jessica was also her hometown former Miss Rodeo Queen and has participate in many Rodeo events, entering Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying and Team Roping. In High School, Jessica devoted her energy towards Team Roping along with her brother Russel qualifying for the Idaho High School State Finals in the Team Roping event. Both Jessica and her brother Russel are avid ropers and both raise the own Corriente Cattle with Hat Rack Cattle Company. 

Humble about her strong equestrian skills, Jessica brags about her brother Russel. "While we also both started out our own colts on the ranch, Russel just moved to California to attend college. He also works starting colts with cutting and reining. As much as it bugs me to admit, he is an amazing horseman who started and trained both my team roping horses. He also trained many of the other horses on my parents ranch. I am very proud of him."

"I have two goals," states Jessica. "First, I want to buy a chuckwagon so I can one day cater during the branding season of the ranch round-up. Brandings are always the best time of the year. For as long as I can remember, my mom has always stayed home making the needed meals during the spring brandings. Last year, we were so busy around the ranch with branding season, the ranch hired a Mexican restaurant to cater for the crew." 

"Second, I want to show people outside our circle of ranching, how real “cookies” fed their crews. Attending the chuck wagon school, I hope to gain as much knowledge from Kent while I am in Texas, so I can return with the extra skills and start cooking during the branding. That would help give my mother a break she well deserves," comments Jessica. 

Jessica is not only influenced by her mom when it comes to cooking but from one of her most admired cowboys, her grandfather known as Papa Jim. "My grandpa, Papa Jim, was amazing cooking his legendary pit BBQ. That's where you season the meat, then wrap in foil and place inside a wet gunny sack tied up. Then bury it in an underground pit to cook. It is absolutely the best! He taught this skill to my Uncle Jim, my Dad and also to my Aunt Carol who each now master making pit barbecue. Unfortunately, Papa Jim passed away last July. He cooked at the Joseph, Oregon Mule Days for many years and even won a buckle for being such a master pit barbecue chef. Recently, at a cousins wedding, and again at the Mule Days, my Dad, my Aunt, and Uncle cooked Papa Jim's legendary Pit Barbecue keeping his traditions alive." 

Asking Jessica what her parents thought about her getting a chuckwagon, she commented, "I think my parents thought I was joking. I think they may be coming around to the fact that I am serious about getting a chuckwagon and a team. When I told them I had won the essay contest and was going to be headed to Texas in March, their reaction and looks were priceless. They both are extremely supportive of everything I decide to pursue in life." 

Jessica confesses, she loves the food channel and while her favorite television show is CHOP, she enjoys viewing the many cuisines, ideas and techniques shown on the many shows. Jessica will attend Kent Rollins Chuck Wagon Cooking School at the end of March 2012 just in time to take her new skills home to Oregon in time to treat the cowboys to some wholesome food during this years brandings. For more information about the Chuck Wagon Cooking School, contact Red River Ranch at www.kentrollins.com

Jessica working Branding Season

Jessica Probert Miss Rodeo

Giving Her the BOOT

In 2011, I needed to take some action that had long been over due. It basically started with a mistake in 2006 that just seem to be edging at me year after year until I just could not take it much longer. I needed to give the wife the boot and for Christmas, well I did.  No, not that kind of boot. She is a wonderful person. But she did need to have a mistake corrected that started in 2006 due to my fast pace Christmas shopping.

First, I say fast pace. Perhaps I should say, last minute. Putting off things until the last minute because who really does want to stand in long checking lines at the cash register only waiting for some customer with an item that no longer has a tag on it and then it seems to take forever to get a price check. I do admit, I dread those moments. Nevertheless, the reward of giving seriously out weights the discomfort of waiting. It's just being a little patient and understanding that each customer too is out to make a difference for someone special in their life.


So, what had occurred in 2006 was my attempt to make the Christmas shopping perfect. Driving around town rushing through various stores, stretching the dollar and finding things I thought the wife would like, or should I state, hope she likes. Who wouldn't like a new pair of western boots?

So here I was at Academy Sporting Goods store when I walked down an isle noticing several Ladies Western Boots on sale. What a deal, too. Not fifty percent off, not even seventy five percent off but 80% off - close-out on several pairs of matching Ladies Western Boots. WOW, this is going to be great, I thought. Sure, they were not a pair of Tony Lama or Corral Boots and no, they were not a pair of Jimmy Choo Shoes, but this was one bargain, I should have resisted. They had such eye appeal, I knew the wife was going to love them.

So, I hurriedly grab the pair checking the size as I ignored the sign stating clearance items, no returns accepted. Then off to the fishing section of the store to grab some stocking stuffing's for our son. Shopping was done since I had already been to Macy's, had a quick trip earlier to Victory Secrets at the Mall and purchased a few items "On-Line."  I was surely batting 100 as I stood through that long dreaded check out counter and finally had my final purchases for 2006 completed.

I must admit, I did really wonderful on every gift I gave that year with one exception. I not only purchased a pair of boots that the wife did not like, but they were both for the right foot. "Two right feet?" No possible way. How in the world did I do this. "  How embarrassing. How stupid of me, but the wife didn't say anything wrong and simply smiled and said "It's the thought that counts."

As the sat year after year in the closet only to collect dust, the wife would just not throw this pair of worthless boots out. Year after year as she would wear dozen upon dozen of different shoes, these boots just seem to be taking up space. I even tried to throw them away myself and she said no. It became a reminder of looking for that great deal that turns into something sorry. A reminded of thoughtless shopping that just grew on me to the point that somehow I was going to make these boots something that if I had to look at them any longer, perhaps I could somehow manage to make them something that could be appreciated, or could I?  Either way, in the closet, they just made me feel foolish each time I glanced upon them and it was time  I did something about it..

As I pondered the many things I could do, like take my shot gun out and use them as targets, I finally came across an idea as I watch a show several months prior with my wife. We were watching Martha Stewart make an autumn wreath when the wife said, "I sure would like a rustic wreath." That is when this idea came to me. I could covert this dumb pair of boots into something useful, or could I?

Over the next month taking the mesquite tree trimmings, I could simply cut and wrap them into a rounded wreath. However, that didn't come about. The trimmings dried out before I had time to use them making them to hard to weave around into anything circular without steaming them and who has time at Christmas to get crafty? I needed to do something quick and easy because once more 2011, I still had much to do as I continue too dreaded those long check out counters.

So, I drove over to the local craft store to find some items.  I already had a few things like the boot. Plus I had an old cow bell that had been laying around for nearly four decades as a reminder of my Bull Riding days. So it was now just finding enough other items that would turn this into a PICASSO.

(1) 14" inch twig wreath unfinished
(1) package of jingle bells (Sleigh bells)
(1) roll of leather lacing
(1) pair cast iron spurs

First, I took the store bought wealth and laid it flat on my shop table. Then I laid the boot inside the wreath and cut a piece of leather lace off to string the boot to the wreath. I next took my lucky horse shoe and set it on the left side of the wreath. Always place a horse shoe upwards as one does not want they luck to fall out. Then, I fixed the pair of cast iron spurs on the same side. One above and one below the horse shoe. It was starting to look like something.

Next, I took out the package of sleigh bells and strung them all together about two inches apart that would fit complete around the face of the wreath. I then tied them in with sail twine I had for making leather repairs, and such. Now to just give it some finishing touches. String the cowbell to hang on one side, I just needed to balance it's appeal. That's when I decided to add some bling that would balance out the true western rustic appearance.

My son had just receive a new belt in the fall where he had placed his trophy buckle on it leaving us with a western buckle without any use. I too had several of these buckles just sitting around. I had purchased myself a new belt in 2010 when I receive an awesome trophy buckle from Molly Customs Silver.  So why not place something special on the wreath that represents both husband and son.

Well, the wreath seem complete but I still had one more boot to collect dust. I suppose  I could throw it out but it did not belong to me any longer. That would be rude and even more thoughtless than when I purchased the darn boots in the first place. What to do with the other. Then it came to me. Traveling, I often pack an extra pair of boots and it often is used to protect or store a bottle of good spirits in the luggage. Why not turn it into a bottle decanter?  So, I search the inter-net and wow, there it was. My idea. Somebody already does this kind of thing. However, they often use old worn out boots.

I had the boot, I had some leather lacing, now I just needed to get a pair of conchos.  So back to the craft store to purchase the pair and fine some remnant of leather scrape. Great, they sold pieces of leather remnants and had the conchos.

First, cut the boot shaft straight across removing the foot. Maybe you can use that for a planter, but not this time for me. I threw that to the trash with good "riddance."  Then I needed to cut a circular piece of leather that was about 5.5 inches diameter, or for those who have forgotten math. Diameter means across, but the only reason I can even remember this is from helping my son with his math. I've had enough circumference, diameters, radius and pi are square. Besides, we all know that real pies are round.

Next thing to do was lace the leather circle to the bottom of the boot. So I connected the lace to a needle and darn near stabbed myself trying to pierce this stupid boot. OK, forget trying to stab the needle through. It's time for the Dremel tool.  I took the small drill out of the workshop cabinet and placed a drill bit the same size as the lace and then created a pattern of holes, drilling them through the leather boot and the bottom. Ten holes on each side. I could have had more and sure, maybe one or two less, but I think 10 -12 would be idea. Next, take a long piece of lace, about 18" inches in length.  Tie a small overhand knot on the end and begin lacing from the round bottom leather with the knot on the inside or top so that it will not show once competed. Pull the lace through and then stitch through the hole placed in the boot.

Next find the next hole in the bottom piece and push through and lace back into the boot. Continue this until you have completed all the way around the shaft of the boot securing the bottom leather. Finish with a tied knot on the inside and next, lay the boot flat. Drill six evenly spaced holes straight through the upper shaft so you can place lacing along the top. The holes should go through both sides of the boot uppers. Additionally, give about an inch distance from the top when lining up the holes to drill. A smart thought is place some small pen marks so that there is not guessing when it comes to making these drill holes. The holes will allow you to string through lacing giving it a nice fringe look. I used a simple cow hitch slipping the bite through and over, then pull the leather ends through tightly. Once both sides are done, I finish this with adding a concho on the front which also requires a small drill hole to set. The concho's have a screw backing that will secure it on the boot. Now, you just need to add that favorite wine or perhaps her favorite Olive Oil to complete the gift. You could add beads to the lacing fringe if desired or additional decor. Regardless, it gave this pair of boots new meaning.

I can not rest assured that these boots were appreciated the second time around. However, I do know she hung the wreath up and this has freed up room in her closet for another pair of boots. This time, maybe I'll just take her shopping and let her pick out her own pair. Surely, no one can make the same error as I did buying two right feet, but then maybe someone did purchase the two left boots because I do know a few folks that seem to dance like they are wearing them.  Of course, I did add in some nice jewelry and perfume, because I certainly don't want to see myself receiving the boot, unless it is filled with my favorite liquor.

Happy Holidays from Cowboys and Chuckwagon Cooking:

Western Rustic Ranch Wreath

Cowboy - Cowgirl Boot Bottle Decanter

NRS High School Rodeo Model Search Finalists

Devonte Toler

The National Roping Supply is promoting their next Model Search for their catalog. The contest will end October 3rd - 2PM CST for the Cowboys and just closed for Cowgirls. The NRS selected the top ten finalist of Cowboys and Cowgirls leaving the judging too who gets the most “likes” on facebook. Winners will then be featured and modeling in the next NRS catalog. 

National Roping Supply founded in 1994, has brought the western world quality products since it's beginnings. Introducing their catalog, the NRS has become a household name among the western environment. Marketing saddles, ropes, headstalls, bits or western attire, the NRS has become one of the largest suppliers of western gear. Rooted in tradition, they test each product extensively to make sure they will withstand cowboy use. They also offer a full line of western gifts, and decor to outfit your home in the traditional western fashion. The NRS Training Center offers clinics of all types from team roping, calf roping and barrel racing, to horsemanship and horse training at Sand Hill Ranch/NRS Training Center in Decatur, Tx.

The Cowgirl selection narrowed down to an attractive Cowgirl named Kourtney from Idaho with over 3,500 face-book likes. The ten remaining cowboys, each displaying their charismatic smiles are hoping to be the winner with your face-book vote. The current lead is a Justin Boot Company sponsored cowboy name Jake who is nearing his first thousand likes with two others named Dallin and Aaron hot on his heels. The other young cowboys names are, Dillon, Jaco, Devonte, Kaden, Levi, Seth, and Will. Each of these Cowboys already represent western heritage and the cowboy way, but one of these young cowboys may be the under dog, but is a true Rodeo Contestant and real Cowboy. That young man is Devonte Toler from Hempstead, Texas. 

Devonte, is an amateur Bull Rider competing in Texas Youth Rodeo. He was introduce to the sport when his aunt with some of her Bull Riding friends took him to his first Rodeo. He was a mere 2 years old, professing he would simulate riding bulls after that first rodeo.

Devonte began training horses working for Mr. Tommy Zorn, stating colts for roping, barrel racing and showing. "Mr. Zorn taught me how to train horses, and train them the right way," state Devonte. 

Like any teenager, Devonte confesses, he loves music with a good beat and enjoyed playing football and Basketball. Wearing the jersey number TEN, Devonte plays defense for the Hempstead Bobcats Varsity Football. When he's not performing school sports or training colts, it's all about riding Bulls. 

Devonte starting riding Bulls before high school but due to an injured shoulder in his freshman year, he concentrated on his school activities giving time for his shoulder to heal. Since last summer, traveling with his best friend Rowdy Roque, they try to enter many of the jackpot rodeos around the state. They just rode in the Roger Crouch Memorial WSPBR and Open Bull Riding held in New Waverly, Texas and often ride the Houston Solution Jack Pot Rodeo held in Cypress, Texas. His next Rodeo will be at the Robstown, Texas open Rodeo wear he will be donning his tear drop shank spurs with super grip rowels.

Devonte states his favorite Bull Riders are Terry Don West and J.W. Harris, admiring Abe Morris, the first Black American to receive a PRCA announcer card 1982 and Charlie Simpson who won the 1982 World Champion Bull Rider and inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1996. Devonte plans to enter the CBR and earn his pro card. One day he hopes he can ride at the National Finals and win the World, but first thing first, is to compete his education.

To vote on any of these young men for NRS High School Rodeo Model Search, go to face book, find their picture and click like. Best wishes good luck to each of these find cowboys.

FACEBOOK VOTE PAGE

Devonte Toler Hempstead, Texas

Devonte Toler, Bull Rider

Wild Fires Across the Range

The evening skies of the Trans-Pecos country rest with the ambient rays of brilliant orange color as the sun sets each night. Although, the early part of April found the sky glaring its burnt orange from raging fires which spread across Texas. 

Lana Grubb Hickok, former Miss Rodeo USA 1992, today resides in Crawford, Texas. She grew up in Fort Davis.  Saturday evening Lana received a phone call from her 92 year old grandmother who explained that the town of Fort Davis was being evacuated due to wildfires. The family members where heading too the McDonald Observatory operated by the University of Texas for safe refuge. Lana's father, Judge George Grubb, of Jeff Davis County managed the Observatory for 25 years before becoming the county judge. Most nights are filled with star gazing, though the night of April 9th, folks who took shelter at the observatory witness the nasty fires that streamed across the west Texas horizons. 

The Rising Idol "An American Cowboy"

John Wayne Schulz

story by Roger Edison



Ropers world wide gather at the Rose Palace outside San Antonio, Texas for the 29th annual George Strait Team Roping Classic's and Grand Championship. Celebrities and Rodeo stars were a huge part of the audience as they watch the 500 entries compete for the $600,000 in prize money during the three day event. Amongst the competition included Eight time PRCA All Around Cowboy Champion Trevor Brazil, who also holds 11 World Team Roping Championships. As the event opens, the American Flag displayed in the foreground, a true America Cowboy rides in to sing the national anthem. As the young man removes his Resistol Cowboy Hat, you see it is no other than, John Wayne Schulz who recently appeared on the television show, American Idol last February.

SHEPLERS: "More than a TRUSTED Name"

SHEPLERS

When my son Austin and I walked into the Sheplers store located in San Antonio, Texas, his eyes open wide as he exclaims, "Wow.  Dad, this is some store. It's Huge." He was exactly right as Sheplers is the worlds largest western wear retailer.  They were around long before his generation or even my own.  The business roots date back to 1899 even before the late Harry Shepler was born.  

Harry Shepler grew up in Wichita becoming a ranch owner in Piedmont, Kansas before he bought out J. W. Gibson Harness Shop that was located in Wichita on North Main. He renamed it "Harry Shepler Saddle and Leather Company." Harry and his wife Hazel perhaps never envision the growth of the business, but Harry operated it with fair principals and core values that continue today in the legacy of Harry Shepler.

Saddle Up.....Riding Longhorns

No bull about it, there is a growing fad taking the horns. “Texas Long Horns “known for their lean beef and made famous during the national era of the Texas Cattle Drives of the late 1860’s through the 1880’s have long been a popular beef. However, this new fad is not about the beef. It’s about cinching down the saddle and mounting up for a pleasure ride taking to the trail.

Troy Texas FunFest Chuck Wagon Cook Off-Competition

The Troy, Texas Chamber of Commerce added an old fashioned Chuck Wagon Cook-Off during Fun Fest 2010 held April 17th. The annual Fun Fest includes having an opening parade lead by horse teams, arts and craft show, tough as nails car show, carnival, and other attractions that build city support also  held last weekend. Like many town festivals, the Fest concluded with its American Fire Work Show.

"Just Because a Man Wears a Cowboy Hat"

Cowboy at Sunset

Story by Roger Edison  

The term COWBOY is an interesting topic. The dictionary defines "Cowboy" as a person who works with cattle in North America and normally from Horse back. They also perform other duties from mending fences, maintaining equipment and care of the grounds that enclose the livestock.  However, I feel there is more to being a cowboy than just that of tending to cattle. True many people are mistaken to be cowboys just because they wear a western hat.

Way of the Chuckwagon

There is a majestic beauty viewing over the massive grazing lands that run from Texas north through the Dakotas reaching into Canada. These plains expanded westward into Colorado meeting the rocky mountains and northwest to the Cascade Mountain Range. Scenic hills covered in tall Buffalo grass that whispers its historic past as one might sit silent reflecting upon the romantic images of the American West. As the wind blows through the wild blades of green stems that still flourish today, the sounds of the cowboys yawp can nearly be heard as they command their livestock on the long cattle-drives. Today, no other item best reflects the images of those cowboys who worked the cattle drives than the “Chuck Wagon”.