Food - Taste of Honey Challenge

Sweet Taste of Victory for Urbandale Cook in Fair Honey Contest

Emerson Hilbert of Urbandale won First Place Overall and a total of $200 in cash awards in the Taste of Honey Challenge competition judged Saturday, August 12, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Contestants were challenged to create award winning breads, desserts, dressings, appetizers and snacks that featured Golden Ridge Honey as an ingredient.

Entries were judged on taste, best use of honey and appearance.

Complete results follow:

Breads

1) Joyce Larson, New Market

2) Amy Fuson, Indianola

3) Diane Rauh, Des Moines

Desserts

1) Margaret Stoffregen, Des Moines

2) Rose Ridgway, Johnston

3) Brian Keul, West Des Moines

Honey Challenge

1) Joyce Larson, New Market

2) Teresa Little, Des Moines

3) Kyle Barton, West Des Moines

Youth Entries (17 and under)

1) Emerson Hilbert, Urbandale

2) Ian Caffrey, Ankeny

3) Caitlin Caffrey, Ankeny

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.