TERRE HAUTE —
As a judge in the Baker’s Best Contest at the Vigo County Fair, Sally Whitehurst had to sample 11 batches of cookies, but she was up to the task.
When contest sponsors asked her to be a judge, she told them without hesitation, “I’m there.”
The sixth annual Baker’s Best Contest, sponsored by the Vigo County Extension Homemakers, was open to anyone. There were 37 entries in four categories — cookies, cakes, pies and breads. Each entry had to have a cherry flavor, and judges also considered taste, texture and appearance.
Other judges were Kevin Orpurt, who did live shots during the noon WTHI-TV news, Bionca Gambill and Jackie Reeves. Judging took place in the Floriculture Building.
Whitehurst, who judged cookies, was partial to Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies and Cashew-Cherry Biscotti. “I love sweets. I’ll consider this my lunch,” she said, as she continued her tough task.
Gambill served as chief (and only) pie judge, sampling four pies. Orpurt had 13 cakes to sample, while Reeves judged nine bread entries that included coffee cakes and muffins.
Reeves found it difficult “because everything is so good, and homemade is just always the best.”
Judges had to select first, second and third place in their respective category, and the four judges together chose a grand champion and reserve grand champion, which took some negotiating and compromise. Winners received cash awards.
The Grand Champion was from the bread category, Laura McGlone’s Cherry Walnut Coffee Cake, while the reserve grand champion was Gloria Mount’s Cherry Pie.
Charlotte White won first place in the cookie category for her Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies. “I’m shocked,” she said.
She used a recipe that she found but then incorporated some of her own personal touches. She spent a lot of effort fine-tuning. Her family and next-door neighbor served as taste-testers.
“I practiced and practiced until my neighbor and husband did not want anymore chocolate,” said White, a member of Prairie Creek Extension Homemakers.
Judith Johnson submitted a Maraschino Cherry Party Cake, made from scratch of course. “My goodness yes. I even sent my husband to the store to get my cake flour,” she said.
The baked goods were to be auctioned off Wednesday evening, said Ruth Ridener, chairwoman of the Baker’s Best committee. Proceeds will be used for open class building improvement projects.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
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Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Cherry good: Bakers' Best judges Jackie Reeves, Bionca Gambill and Sally Whitehurst sample an entry during the judging of baked goods Wednesday at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza "Champion of cookies": Charlotte White displays one of her chocolate covered cherry cookies Wednesday after the judging of the baked goods at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Dessert to die for: Sally Whitehurst enjoys a piece of Laura McGlone's Rich Cherry Walnut Coffeecake with fellow judge Jackie Reeves during judging of baked goods Wednesday at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Hey, Kevin, what does the dessert taste like? Bionca Gambill takes a piece of cookie from Kevin Orpurt's plate as he tastes a dessert during the judging of baked goods Wednesday at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds. Looking on is First Financial Bank's Sally Whitehurst.
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Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Let's dig in: Bakers' Best judge Jackie Reeves cuts into cherry cake during the judging of baked goods Wednesday at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
Discussion
A Bite of the Best
Baker’s Best Contest at the Fair offers up 37 entries of cherry tasting goodness
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