Desserts abound at San Benito County Fair
Cookies, cakes and pies are just a few of the treats in store at
the San Benito County Fair. In addition to the regular baking
competitions for junior and senior entrants, the Home Arts
Department is hosting a special contest Saturday, Sept. 30.
Desserts abound at San Benito County Fair
Cookies, cakes and pies are just a few of the treats in store at the San Benito County Fair. In addition to the regular baking competitions for junior and senior entrants, the Home Arts Department is hosting a special contest Saturday, Sept. 30.
Dessert aficionados have one final chance to wow taste buds in the “Amazing Apple Dessert Contest” and the “Decadent Chocolate Dessert Contest.” Entries will be accepted at the Pavilion Veranda by the Home Arts Department between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Each entry fee is $1 and bakers can enter one item in each contest. Made from scratch goodies will be given preference and professional bakers are not eligible for the contest.
The judging for the contests starts at 3 p.m. and participants must be present to win. Those with a taste for chocolate and apple baked goods will be able to sample the desserts after the contest. First, second and third place and a people’s choice winner will be selected.
The regular show of treats will also be on display throughout the fair run Sept. 28 – Oct. 1. Entrants were busy this week making everything from biscuits to pastries to toffee for the Home Arts competition of Baked Goods and Confections.
One local girl geared up for her first entry in the junior division baked goods competition.
“I cooked my first cookies when I was 9,” said Briana Castaneda, now 11.
Unlike the special event contests where bakers can enter the day of the judging, Castaneda signed up to enter a frosted cake and drop cookies weeks before the fair.
“I like being messy with the dough,” she said. “I always loved playing with Play-doh so its fun.”
Her recipes of choice included two family favorites – a pumpkin chocolate chip recipe concocted by her mother and a treat dubbed the “Uncle Markie” cake. It is the only chocolate cake the sixth-grader likes.
“We call it ‘Uncle Markie’ because he’s always liked it,” she said. “He knows the recipe by heart and he has it on every birthday.”
In the days leading up to the competition Castaneda remained calm, but excited about her entries.
“I have some friends who are doing it, too,” Castaneda said. “I don’t think I am going to win first, but I am hoping to get a second or third place.”
Visit www.sanbenitocountyfair.com for a full list of exhibits and events. For more information on the apple or chocolate dessert contest, call 831-801-7137.
