Birmingham, Alabama, August 4, 2025
News Summary
In a recent episode of ‘Family Recipe Showdown’, hosted by Octavia Spencer, local contestants Brittney and Greg Williams showcased tailgate-themed dishes. This episode marked the first participation of contestants from Alabama, highlighting the significance of food in Southern football culture amid the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn. The Williams family impressed judges with their culinary skills, but ultimately lost to their Texas competitors. The show emphasizes family bonding through cooking, airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. on the Food Network.
Birmingham, Alabama – Octavia Spencer, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in several acclaimed films, hosted an episode of “Family Recipe Showdown” titled “Team Tailgate.” This particular episode featured two contestants from the local area: Brittney “Lady B” Williams and her father, Greg Williams, both avid fans of the University of Alabama. Their participation marks a significant first, as they are the inaugural contestants from Alabama to compete in the show which has aired four episodes to date.
“Family Recipe Showdown” pits home cooks against one another in a bid for a grand prize of $10,000. Each week, six contestants work in pairs to showcase their culinary skills through two rounds of cooking. Spencer, who describes herself as “an expert at tasting,” serves as one of the primary judges along with Edgar “Dook” Chase IV. The show emphasizes how food plays a pivotal role in the South’s vibrant football culture, a sentiment expressed by Spencer during the episode.
In a lively exchange while the Williams family prepared their dishes, the episode highlighted the significance of good food at tailgate events. It was particularly relevant due to the ongoing football rivalry between the University of Alabama and Auburn University, referred to as the Iron Bowl, which dates back to 1893. The episode showcased the competitive spirit that accompanies this longstanding rivalry, with Spencer humorously noting their divided loyalties.
The Williams family prepared Polish sausage dogs with barbecue sauce and baked beans to represent their tailgate offerings. Their initial dish won the first cooking challenge, demonstrating their culinary prowess. However, they unfortunately lost the second round where they attempted to impress the judges with stewed chicken and macaroni and cheese. The ultimate prize, after a fierce culinary battle, was awarded to cousins Steve Grams and Ken Taylor from Texas, who successfully created a taco pie accompanied by skillet potatoes.
Brittney reflected positively on their participation in the show, emphasizing the valuable bonding time spent cooking alongside her father. Spencer acknowledged the warmth and love radiating from the Williams family during their time in the kitchen, further reinforcing the idea that food is an essential part of family and community gatherings in the South.
New episodes of “Family Recipe Showdown” are broadcast every Thursday at 8 p.m. Central Time on the Food Network. After airing, episodes are available for streaming on HBO Max the following day, allowing viewers to enjoy the culinary competition at their convenience.
Key Features of the Episode
- Host: Octavia Spencer
- Contestants: Brittney “Lady B” Williams and Greg Williams
- Theme: Tailgate food competition
- Prizes: $10,000 for the winning team
- Judges: Octavia Spencer and Edgar “Dook” Chase IV
- Follow-Up: Competitive spirit related to the Iron Bowl rivalry
- Episode Airing Time: Thursdays at 8 p.m. Central Time
- Streaming: Available on HBO Max the following day
FAQ
- What is “Family Recipe Showdown”?
- It’s a cooking competition show where home cooks face off for a chance to win a cash prize by preparing family recipes.
- Who hosted the featured episode?
- Octavia Spencer hosted the episode titled “Team Tailgate.”
- Who were the contestants in the highlighted episode?
- Brittney “Lady B” Williams and her father Greg Williams, both fans of the University of Alabama.
- What was the prize for the winning team?
- The winning team received a cash prize of $10,000.
- When does “Family Recipe Showdown” air?
- The show airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. Central Time on the Food Network.
- How can I watch the episodes?
- Episodes are available to stream on HBO Max the day after airing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: In the South, Football is King
- Wikipedia: Iron Bowl
- AL.com: Last 31 Yards in Iron Bowl Win
- Google Search: Iron Bowl 2024
- USA Today: Alabama-Auburn Iron Bowl
- Google Scholar: Iron Bowl
- Tuscaloosa News: Alabama vs Auburn History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Iron Bowl
- Roll Tide: Alabama Pushes Past Auburn
- Google News: Alabama Football
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
