As a native Midwesterner, I fondly recall the excitement of the county fair during my childhood summers. However, since relocating to Texas, I’ve discovered that the county fair experience has some notable differences. Gone are the carnival rides; instead, the focus is on showcasing the talents and achievements of students who participate in various events – from agricultural exhibits like show cows, pigs, and chickens to an array of delicious recipes.
As a Family and Consumer Science teacher, also known as Home Economics, I’m responsible for overseeing the recipe area. Our categories include breads, jams and preserved foods, decorative cakes, edible cakes, cookies, and candies. To share some of these tasty treats with you, this blog post will be divided into multiple parts. Today’s installment will highlight Cookies and Candies, providing a glimpse into the sweet creations that bring joy to all who participate.
Award Winning Cookie and Candy Recipes – Cookies
Dishpan Cookies
While it’s possible that this recipe arose from a happy accident, its end result is undeniable – a sweet, savory, and chewy masterpiece. The combination of pecans and cereal in particular has garnered praise from Debbie Quimby at Just a Pinch, who notes the dish’s well-balanced flavors. It’s easy to see why this recipe would be an award winner.
Blue Ribbon Chocolate Chip Cookies
The perfect cookie is a game-changer – it’s the one that leaves judges scratching their heads, wondering what sets it apart until they take a bite. This soft and cake-like treat achieves just that, thanks to its masterful blend of traditional ingredients. Inspired by Genius Kitchen’s Caryn, this melt-in-your-mouth cookie is a loving nod to the classic chocolate chip cookie that has captured our hearts.
Carrot Cake Cookies
Cookies and Cream
Imagine a delightful surprise: a cookie within a cookie! This ingenious creation has already won me over by cleverly combining two beloved elements in one. By incorporating pudding mix into the recipe, you’ll get to enjoy the classic cookies and cream combination, while also adding an extra layer of fun with crushed Cookies and Cream bars from Hershey’s – a family favorite. The result is double the indulgence! This delightful recipe originates from Megan at Just Dandy.
Strawberry Lilies
The strawberry jelly-topped cookies are a visual treat, their softness enhanced by the cream cheese used in their making. This recipe has already proven its success, having won first prize at the 2013 Colorado State Fair courtesy of Anna Witt’s winning submission. Next year, I’m planning to get creative and have my students fold the cookies into envelope shapes, rebranding them as ‘Love Notes’. The recipe itself can be found on the Denver Post website.
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
I’ve selected this winning Texas sheet cake recipe from the Johnson County Fair, which perfectly embodies our values. Its triumph is a testament to its enduring appeal. Although I won’t be showcasing it at an upcoming event, it will undoubtedly make an appearance in future show files. The recipe hails from Cookies and Cups.
Monster Cookies
As I reflect on my experience with fair recipes, I’m reminded that one of the greatest joys is putting our own twist on classic treats. In this case, I think taking trail mix cookies to the next level by adding a few more ingredients could be a game-changer. The combination of M&Ms and raisins already makes them a delicious and unique snack. What I love about cooking is that it’s all about experimentation and making memories in the kitchen with friends and family.
Even when not every recipe turns out to be a winner, the experience itself is worth celebrating. And speaking of winners, one particular recipe caught my eye – it was a hit at the Minnesota State Fair! If you’re feeling inspired, I encourage you to give it a try and make some memories of your own. After all, life’s too short to stress about every little thing, so go ahead and indulge in these tasty cookies.
Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
I’m particularly fond of classic turtle recipes featuring caramel, nuts, and chocolate. Translating these flavors into a cookie format is genius, much like the concept behind Texas sheet cake. I’m already envisioning this recipe becoming a future favorite among students, perhaps even sparking inspiration for someone to feature it in their project next year. This delightful thumbprint cookie recipe originates from Handle the Heat.
Mississippi Mud Cookies
To take this sweet treat to the next level, consider adding a few homemade marshmallows to the mix. This will not only add an extra layer of flavor but also provide a delightful surprise for anyone who tries them. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, now’s the perfect time to get creative and try something new. And if you’d like some inspiration or guidance on how to make these fluffy treats, head over to A Dash of Sanity for their recipe.
Blueberry Cheesecake Macarons
The likelihood of someone making macarons in the near future is extremely high, as I regularly receive requests from various classes to create these delicate treats. Among the numerous varieties, I opted for blueberry macarons due to their refreshing flavor profile, which provides a much-needed respite from the sweetness overload judges often experience. The recipe can be found at Tatyana’s Everyday Food.
Award Winning S’mores Cookies
S’mores hold a special place in many hearts, and it’s not hard to see why – they’re a rare treat that can be enjoyed year-round, without being tied to any particular season or holiday. But what really sets S’mores apart is their ability to evoke powerful memories and emotions, transporting us back to favorite childhood moments of camping trips, hayrides, and family gatherings.
Puppy Chow Cookies
The memories associated with puppy chow are still vivid in my mind. Who could forget their first bite? I certainly can’t! The neighbor across the street, who occasionally watched my brother, was kind enough to share a bag with us, and I devoured it in no time. It’s only natural that I’m eagerly anticipating making this recipe again, which is featured on What Megan’s Making, and relishing in the thought of the judges savoring each bite.
Award Winning Cookie and Candy Recipes – Candies
County Fair Blue Ribbon Fudge
While many might swoon at the mere mention of chocolate and walnut fudge, its unique blend of savory and sugary notes is undoubtedly a winning combination. For those eager to indulge in this delightful treat, I recommend exploring the recipe available on CD Kitchen, where the perfect harmony of flavors awaits.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
A show-stopping butter bar that’s almost too beautiful to eat, this delectable treat is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of salty and sweet flavors. The layered appearance adds an extra layer of appeal, making it a standout on any dessert table.
Orange Creamsicle Patties
As a proud parent, I’m delighted to share that orange creamsicles are my daughter’s go-to ice cream treat. Her enthusiasm is contagious, which is why I’ve decided to let her take the reins in preparing these cookies for our upcoming fair appearance. Next year, she’ll be competing in the junior category, and I’m confident that her passion for the flavor will shine through if the judges appreciate the beauty within this recipe.
For those interested in trying out this delightful treat for themselves, head over to The Spruce, where Elizabeth LaBau has graciously shared her recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions.
Chocolate Cabernet Truffles
I was surprised when I discovered that students are allowed to incorporate alcohol into their recipes. The success of wine jelly in our competitions suggests that the recipe I’m about to share could be a winner. In fact, just thinking about it is making me hungry! A big thank you goes out to Jessica, who cleverly concocted this treat and shares her creation on How Sweet Eats.
Cake Pops
I’ve had my fair share of cake pop mishaps, particularly when students opt for a cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch. It’s a crucial distinction that can make all the difference in the final product. A recent instance still lingers in my memory – a student created an impressive combination of red velvet cake and cookies and cream white chocolate, complete with a generous sprinkling of edible glitter.
Despite her best efforts, she unfortunately used a cake mix, which ultimately led to her disqualification. It’s a valuable lesson that I’ve since passed on to others: when making cake pops, it’s essential to start with a scratch-made cake. For a reliable and delicious recipe, I turn to Posh in Progress, where I know I’ll find a trusted formula for success.
Butter Toffee Candy Bar Shots
I’m particularly fond of this recipe because it offers a unique and indulgent twist. I’ve saved it with the hope that a student will use it in their future baking endeavors. Initially, I was concerned about the presence of a drink inside the chocolate cup, but was relieved to discover that it’s actually a soft caramel filling. I’m confident that even the most discerning judges would be thrilled to receive this treat as a reward.
For those seeking inspiration for their own candy creations, I recommend checking out Sprinkle Bakes, which is an excellent resource filled with creative and informative recipes.
Red, White, and Blue Raspberry Candy Bars
The allure of blue raspberry and rich chocolate, combined with the iconic hues of the American flag, makes for an unbeatable combination that’s sure to resonate with anyone who proudly claims American roots. For a sweet treat that embodies this patriotic spirit, look no further than [Cherry Tea Cakes], where you can find these charming bars.
Homemade Cow Tales
Before diving into a homemade cow tail recipe, it’s essential to experience the real deal first. Head to your local grocery store and grab some from the shelf. This will give you a solid foundation for understanding the flavors and textures involved in making these delicious treats. I was so impressed with this recipe that I’m planning to recreate it this week – and I didn’t need much convincing, either! The original can be found on Food52.
The BEST Cream Cheese Mints
As a child, my first wedding memory was filled with an irresistible allure of mints similar to these. My curiosity got the better of me, and I indulged until my stomach protested. Little did I know that this impromptu snacking session would lay the groundwork for my future food enthusiast persona. All I knew at the time was that I adored the sublime melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
To relive this nostalgic experience or simply try these addictive mints for yourself, head over to [insert site URL] and access Trish’s recipe.
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan Candy
My husband received these sweet treats from my sister as a Christmas gift a few years ago, and they didn’t last long in our household. The majority were devoured by yours truly, prompting me to seek out the recipe. Now, I’m excited to share it with you, hoping you’ll find it just as delightful as I do.
One of the perks of having this recipe is that it’s a crockpot recipe, which will give me more time to focus on other projects – like decorated cakes, which I’ll be sharing my tips and tricks for in a future post. If you’re interested in trying out this recipe, you can find it over at Dinner Then Dessert.
Candied Orange Slices
These unique chocolate-covered orange candies stand a chance at impressing judges with their winter-inspired flavor profile and Texas-twist. The vibrant, stained-glass appearance of the orange slices is an added bonus, making them visually appealing as well. For a closer look at these intricately crafted treats, head over to Tastemade for more details.
Buttercream Truffles
Combining buttercream’s tangy flavor with darker chocolate would yield a scrumptious truffle recipe, where the contrasting colors add an appealing visual appeal. The possibility of incorporating dark sprinkles is uncertain, as I intend to experiment with different aesthetics before finalizing this recipe. The original inspiration for these truffles comes from Aimee at Shugary Sweet, whose creativity has been a driving force in shaping my own culinary endeavors.
Homemade Ferrero Rocher Nutella Truffles
While some may argue that it’s merely a Nutella-inspired treat or even a Ferrero Rocher copycat, one thing is certain – this recipe is sure to impress both you and any judges who get to sample it. If you’re as obsessed with the original candy as I am, you can find the full recipe on Thrifty DIY Diva’s website.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this culinary journey, I’m thrilled to have shared with you a collection of recipes that are sure to delight. From sweet treats like candied pecans to decadent delights like macarons, these award-winning recipes have the potential to impress even the most discerning palates and perhaps even earn you a coveted blue ribbon at the fair! In addition to this post, be sure to check out my earlier piece on Award-winning Breads and Jams, which showcases more of the best in baking.
And stay tuned for my next installment, where I’ll be sharing the art of creating Blue Ribbon Cakes that are both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.
