Food - The Great Iowan Recipe

New Market Cook Claims The Great Iowan Recipe Crown

Joyce Larson of New Market won first place and a $50 cash award in The Great Iowan Recipe competition judged Sunday, August 13, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Sharon Lesan of Ankeny claimed second place and $30. Sarah Olson of Des Moines earned third place and $20.

Contestants were challenged to share an award-worthy recipe that has importance to their family, heritage or legacy.

Entries were judged on taste, presentation and story about the recipe.

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.