4-H bake-off

by Regina Grayson

With 78 entries ranging from sugar cookies to taco pie, and Mississippi Mud Cake to old-fashioned cornbread, the 2006 Junior Baked Foods Exhibit was a success, according to Kimberly Graham, Crenshaw County extension agent.

&#8220Crenshaw County is known for its family get-togethers and its good cooks, so these kids are carrying on that local baking tradition,” Graham said.

The bake-off, which is open to any 4-H Club member, has been ongoing for the last 20 years. Students must select their favorite recipe which must be baked in the oven and contain flour.

They could bake any recipe such as muffins, biscuits, pasta, brownies or cakes.

Graham said that the first-prize winner of each division would receive $20, a ribbon and a certificate. The winners will also attend the regional competition at Troy University.

&#8220Last year, we had fewer than 20 entries,” she said. &#8220With 78 entries this year, we are really seeing a reawakening in the baking tradition.”

Russty Parrish, Crenshaw County Extension Coordinator, agreed with Graham.

&#8220We've seen a big interest in 4-H lately,” he said. &#8220It has really picked up these last couple of years.”

Parrish said that 4-H offers students the opportunity to learn by doing, and that it also provides support in the areas of achievement, leadership, citizenship and education.

&#8220One of the main objectives of 4-H is to teach life skills,” he said.

The winners of this year's bake-off in the Junior I Division are: first place, Katherine Schaefer, Brantley Elementary School; second place, Andria Sexton, Highland Home Elementary School; third place, Madison Tranum, Luverne Elementary; Honorable Mentions, Jade Stovall, Highland Home Elementary and Kelsey Hall, Brantley Elementary.

Winners for the Junior II Division are: first place, Andy Ackerman, Luverne Elementary; second place, Haley Atwell, Luverne Elementary; third place, Eric Lowe, Crenshaw Christian Academy; Honorable Mention, Bronze Riviera Green, Luverne Elementary.

Winners in the Senior II Division are: first place, Taylor Andrews, Brantley High School; second place, Brian Parrish, Luverne High School; and third place, Miranda Daniels, Luverne High School.

All 78 entries/ recipes will be featured in a 2006 Chef 4-H cookbook, which will be available for purchase Monday, March 27. For more information, please contact the County Extension Office at 335-6312.