Food - Always Room for Dessert

Crisco is the Star Ingredient in State Fair Dessert Contest

Jenna Brady of Runnells won first place and a $100 cash award in the Always Room for Dessert competition judged Thursday, August 10, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

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

Judges also awarded Honorable Mention to Jenn Goellner of Urbandale.

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

Entries were judges 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 are 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.