Best Bacon Recipes Bring State Fair Blue Ribbons
August 12, 2011
Cooks in the Bring Home the Bacon competition, judged Tuesday, August 9, prior to the start of the Iowa State Fair, were tasked to use bacon as the star ingredient in an appetizer and a main dish.
Michelle Melchers of Cedar Rapids won first place in the Appetizer competition. Cristen Clark of Runnells took second place, and Jenna Brady also of Runnells claimed third place.
In the Main Dish competition Diane Caron-Smith of Winterset won first place. Cheryl Rogers of Ames claimed second place, and Anita Van Gundy of Des Moines took third place.
Entries were judged on taste, appearance and prominence of bacon.
The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Due to the large number of classes, Food Department judging begins prior to the Fair in the recently-renovated Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.
“Nothing Compares” to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.
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