Food: Always Room for Dessert

Crisco is the Star Ingredient in State Fair Dessert Contest

Ann Gillotti of Ankeny won first place and a $100 cash award in the Always Room for Dessert competition judged Thursday, August 8, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Brian Keul of West Des Moines claimed second place and $75. Joy McFarland of Tingley earned third place and $25.

Contestants were challenged to create an award-winning dessert using Crisco.

Entries were judged on flavor, appearance texture and best use of Crisco.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and over 6,400 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.