How to Win a Zillion Blue Ribbons? Ask the State Fair All-Stars.
The New York Times
They’re the home-run heroes of cooking, baking and canning. Meet seven players who dominate the competitions season after season.
It’s peak state-fair season in America, when the spotlight hits concession stunt foods like deep-fried ranch dressing (yes, that’s a thing this year) and anything edible on a stick. But the real culinary action happens inside fair pavilions and expo centers, where tens of thousands of cake bakers, jam makers and vegetable canners compete.
In every state, there is an elite group of cooks who approach fair season with the focus of an Olympic athlete. They analyze categories and study how to impress judges. They practice pie recipes and pick only the best produce for their canning jars. Year after year, they take home not just a blue ribbon or two. They dominate.
We combed the country looking for these state fair all-stars. Here are seven of the big hitters:
Age: 71
Home kitchen: Rockingham County, Va.
