Quite a while back we tested some recipes in a vintage cookbook. More of a booklet, it was titled, “Great State Fair Recipes…A Collection of Minnesota State Fair Sweepstakes-Winning Recipes from 1906 to 1975.” Cakes, cookies and breads (three highly popular categories at fairs) make up most of the booklet’s collection. The church recipe section had this trusted lemon meringue pie. We tweaked the recipe a bit, using…
These Spice Cupcakes are easy and delicious sweet treats, and they are a blue ribbon winning recipe! Originally made as a layer cake, this recipe won 1st place at the Ohio State Fair in 2011. Peggy Smith of Delaware, Ohio,…
This rainbow soba noodle salad combines colorful produce (zucchini, yellow squash, snow peas, carrots, cabbage, and spring onions) with a flavorful ginger sesame dressing. It’s a winning recipe. In fact, we’ve been calling it one of our favorite “winner for…
Mini cheesecakes make great after-dinner desserts. Their size is small enough so you don’t feel like you are over indulging. At the same time, their richness and creaminess will easily satisfy your sweet tooth. With the paper liners, they transport…
Peachy Creamy Party Pies: if you love mini size desserts or simple sweet treats you can make in minutes, look no further than these state fair winning tiny pies. They won a blue ribbon and 1st place back at the…
This chicken chili is a winner every time. It is super easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and is totally adaptable to your preferences. You can add more veggies, more garlic, less chili powder, or even make it a turkey or…
A long time coming, we’ve finally replicated this tea ring recipe, a state fair blue ribbon winning yeast bread you’re going to love. Tea rings are so classic! And so visually appealing, as in YUM to look at. This Chocolate Coconut…
We caught up with blue ribbon baker Karen Cope this week at the Minnesota State Fair. She brought samples of her favorite recipe of late: Monster Cookies! We took a taste and can definitely attest to their deliciousness. I grew up…
If you are nutty for coconut like I am, I have a dessert you’re going to ADORE! Coconut Cupcake Bread Pudding! I made it with leftover homemade cupcakes, but you could use store-bought ones, a compatible flavor cupcake like lemon, vanilla, or chocolate. Even…
Any time I come across a recipe for something I grew up baking with my mom, I’m filled with warm fuzzies and food cravings. Lots of no-bake cookies and “strike-it-rich” cakes comes to mind. Imagine my delight then, when I…
You have been asking for more things made with cocoa. We’re on it! Check out these Triple Chocolate Cappuccino Cups. They are simple, delicious, and with their miniature size, not that indulgent. That is, if I stop at one, which I admit…