Local cooks stir up competition in ‘Fall Foodies’ cookbook contest
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PARKERSBURG - Family recipes, fall flavors and creative presentations took center stage as area cooks competed in this year's "Fall Foodies" cookbook contest, which drew 74 entries across three categories.
Recipes were judged in appetizers and side dishes, main dishes and desserts. Category winners have been selected, while the grand prize and presentation winner will be announced at a later date.
Gretchen Brookover, special projects organizer for the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, said judges compared the submitted recipes with the prepared dishes, evaluating taste, preparation, originality and overall appeal. A separate presentation award considers originality, overall appeal and how well the display reflects the theme.
For Brookover, tasting the finalists' dishes offered an opportunity to appreciate the personal connections behind the recipes.
"I like seeing how they can turn something that you think is just food, just ingredients, into more than just a consumable product," she said.
A dish might come from a grandmother's recipe, she said, giving it meaning beyond its ingredients.
Judge Kiki Angelos said seeing the creativity of area cooks and sampling their dishes are highlights of the annual contest. Choosing among them is more difficult.
"The hardest thing is to judge, really, because everything that they bring, you know, they try their best to prepare the recipe, to decorate the table with the appropriate decorations," Angelos said.
She said the continued participation of local cooks keeps the event exciting year after year.
"I'm looking forward all year long to come and judge," she said.
In the appetizer and side dish category, Rhonda Milliron took first place with Mushroom Pastry Pinwheels. Midge Simpers placed second with Tortellini Salad, and Sheila Dye placed third with Cheddar Ham Cups. Janet Atkinson received honorable mention for Salmon Salad.
Ann Nicely won the main dish category with Cajun Potato Soup. Debra Carouthers took second with Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, followed by Linda Pearson Dally's Corn Chowder in third. Shari Hirschfield received honorable mention for Vermont Stew.
Anna Dean earned first place in desserts with Cranberry Apple Pecan Bundt Cake. Linda Barnette placed second with Pumpkin Spice Bread, and Stephanie Parsons placed third with Cozy Molasses Cookies. Tammy Morrison received honorable mention for Apple Oatmeal Creme Pies.