Food - Our Front Porch Books Favorite Iowa Foods

Favorite Iowa Foods Featured in Fair Cooking Contest

Renee Kowlessar of Des Moines won first place and a $50 cash award in the Our Front Porch Books Favorite Iowa Foods competition judged Sunday, August 13, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Robin Tarbell-Thomas of Centerville earned second place and $25. Judy Kiburz-Harrison of Tingley claimed third place and $10.

Judges awarded Honorable Mention to Alex Marske of Clive.

Contestants were challenged to make a dessert, main dish or any other dish that they associate with Iowa and include with the dish a short narrative on why it makes them think of the state.

Entries were judged on taste, creativity, appearance and meaning behind the dish.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging was held in the Elwell Family Food Center.