2019 Logan County Fair

Page 220 2019 Logan County Fair LINCOLN DAILY NEWS July 28-August 4, 2019 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2019 F riday morning at the Logan County Fair always means that one lucky person needs to eat sweets. Yes, needs. The judge of the Culinary judging candies, cakes, and snack foods had a very sweet job for about two hours Friday morning as she carefully went through the multiple entries in each of the three primary categories. The, judge, Pat McAllister, is a teacher and as such she said that she felt compelled to teach as she went. Being an educated expert on foods, her words carried a lot of weight for those who were on hand to watch the proceedings. In the three categories this year, there were fewer entries than in past years, especially in the cakes. McAllister started out saying that we all consume food in a similar manner, starting with our eyes. Food needs to look appetizing. Her first class to judge, candies, need to show uniform size and texture on the plate. She warned cooks to be aware when they are preparing their entries of what the weather conditions are or will be. She noted that certain weather conditions will cause undesirable stickiness in a product and the cook needs to adjust accordingly. The first category in the candy class was Peanut Cluster and there were several entries. McAllister looked, touched and tasted each entry before making her placing decisions. The first place winner for that category was Allison Matthews. In the Peanut Brittle category there was only one entry belonging to Kathy Buse. McAllister examined and tasted the candy then noted that there are judges who say that a single entry does not necessarily warrant a first place finish. However, she doesn’t think that way. She said that if there is one entry, then it’s the best entry there, and as such must be given a first place award. Chocolate Fudge without marshmallow crème was the next category with a number of entries. McAllister noted that she did touch each piece of candy because she was looking for something that was tender and Friday Culinary judging, a sweet job to have CONTINUE