Rustic Pear Tart, Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Mexican Chicken and Rice and No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake name just a few of the entries in this year’s Grown in New York Contest held Saturday, November 7 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.
4-Hers competed in Jr. Novice, Junior, Senior and Senior Novice divisions during the “silent” cooking demonstration. Participants prepared a recipe featuring items grown or produced in New York State and were judged on their cooking skills as well as the taste and nutritional value of the finished product.
Naomi Haberger, a 9th grader at Albion High School, participated in the event and prepared Cheesecake Bars which featured New York State dairy products including cream cheese and milk.
Naomi explained that she was excited to participate because, “I love to cook.” She said she changed her recipe from a typical cheesecake to cheesecake bars and noted that she enjoyed taking part, but was, “nervous, really nervous.”
Recipes prepared can be baked, cooked or served cold – such as a salad. Extension officials said evaluators look for techniques used by participants, their organization and ability to prepare the product. Additional evaluators tasted a finished product brought from home and looked for eye appeal, taste, and also reviewed the nutrition statement of the product.
Participants and those attending were able to sample the prepared dishes and received a recipe booklet with all recipes prepared.
