Marianne Carlson wasted no time in starting tallying wins in Iowa State Fair foods department contests.
In the Best Biscotti competition judged Aug. 8, the first day of the fair, Carlson claimed the overall prize and a $100 cash award. She placed first in the chocolate biscotti class and third in the plain biscotti class.
Biscotti are traditionally twice baked, oblong shaped, dry and crunchy biscuits. Entries were judged on taste, texture and appearance.
Also on Thursday, Carlson placed first in the mixed grain, French, potato and whole wheat categories of the King Arthur flour bread competition.
She placed second in the raisin and in the yeast bread other than named categories and third in the caraway rye and oatmeal categories.
In Saturday competitions Carlson won first place in the Feelin’ Peachy with Pies contest. Entries were judged on flavor, crust and appearance.
Carlson won first place and a $150 cash award Aug. 10 in the Tribute to Bessie – Chicken & Noodles competition. Entrants were challenged to create an award-winning chicken & noodles dish reminiscent of the kind swerved throughout Iowa in the 1950. Entries were judged on taste, appearance, creativity and noddle quality.
The homemade two crust cherry pie competition was judged Aug. 10 also. Carlson placed second and received a $75 cash prize. Pies were judged on crust quality and fruit filling.
Also on Saturday, she placed third in the cinnamon roll contest judged Aug. 10. Entries were judged on taste, texture appearance and story.
