Young cooks showcase creativity and flavor at county fair smorgasbord

The tasting smorgasbord held Sept. 30 at the county fair gave youth the opportunity to showcase their cooking skills.

“We thank all of these young people for making food for us,” Emily Marrison from OSU Extension said. “Everyone did a fantastic job, and it is a hard decision for the judges to make.”

A panel of judges worked together to evaluate the entries on flavor, texture and appearance.

The dessert category had many entries, two of which came from sisters Elsee Mencer and Addie Mencer, who both competed for the first time.

“Last year we had lunch here, and I thought everything was really good,” Elsee Mencer said.

She made double chocolate cupcakes, and Addie Mencer whipped up Oreo rice crispy treats.

“I like Oreos,” Addie Mencer said.

Kalea Treat and Zoey Raber both thought there were a lot of good cooks at the event. Treat’s favorite was the hot dog wrapped in bacon, and Raber enjoyed the chips and queso dip.

Katelyn Specht won big at the smorgasbord with her strawberry coggan. The vanilla sponge cake, strawberry Jell-O and fresh strawberry dessert earned her a first in desserts and the Taster’s Choice Award.

“I was surprised, but I really like making food,” Specht said.

All the contestants received prizes and were able to take home with them a kitchen utensil.