Food projects included recipe from six generations
MUNCIE – Nearly 105 Delaware County 4-H members walked into Heartland Hall on Tuesday to show off their culinary skills. The 4-H Fair activities continued showcasing food projects the members have been working on. Projects ranged from microwaved jam to a date pudding with a six-generation history.
Rebekah Simpson, a 10-year 4-H member from Liberty Prairie Lucky Stars, entered an unique item to the food preparation and presentation category. While her peers toted date pudding and cakes, Simpson sat with the table display she made for her graduation party.
“I didn’t want anyone else to see my presentation,” Simpson said, “I made mine bigger than what everyone else did.”
4-H members ranging from third grade to 12th grade entered projects related to their food categories, which included cookies, invented snacks, rolls, microwave and more. The members brought their dish or display along with a recipe card for it and a completed project book.
These projects are judged by one of several volunteers, who use their experience to determine what projects should be considered for the Indiana State Fair. One of the judges, Pat Brown, has been working with 4-H for almost 45 years judging food projects. Brown said a level of preparation like Simpson’s is not uncommon.
“Many members make multiple batches just to try to get one that is perfect,” Brown said.
Brown said she looks at many factors when judging food products. She tells 4-H members that when they are preparing dishes to be judged, to look at the color and consistency of the product. Even if it looks good, Brown said, the most important factor is the taste.
“You can forgive a lot of the external characteristics,” Brown said, “if the product has a good interior and taste.”
Other tips that Brown gave on cooking included making sure all the ingredients are fresh, especially if there are butter, eggs or nuts in the recipe. She said it is important to also use the correct cooking utensils, and cook the food at the correct temperature.
Simpson said food is important to her because knowing how to cook is a skill you use your entire life. When working on her project, Simpson decided to incorporate her personality. Simpson loves music and wants to be a music teacher, so the theme of her catered dinner was “A feast fit for a music teacher.” Simpson wanted her project to be realistic so she limited the dinner to what a music teacher could afford on their salary.
Brown said Simpson’s project was unique and practical, lavishing praise on her creativity. She received a first-place award with honors, which means her project is being considered for the state fair.
TODAY’S 4-H FAIR EVENTS
7:30-8:30 a.m.: Public speaking check in
8:45 a.m.: Public speaking judging
9-10 a.m.: Action demo check in
7:30-10 a.m.: Mini projects registration
7:30-8:30 a.m.: Registration for crafts, gift wrapping, crops, photography, gardening, floriculture, cake decorating, welding and cupcake decorating
8:45 a.m.: Project judging begins
9-10 a.m.: Registration for scrapbook, child development, reading, vet science, woodworking, animal posters, shooting sports, health and personality
10:15 a.m.: Project judging begins
10:30-11:30 a.m.: Registration for aerospace, recycling, computer, genealogy, entomology, geology, sport fishing, home environment and electric
11:45 a.m.: Judging begins for projects
Noon-1 p.m.: Registration for soil and water, forestry, beekeeping, bicycle, sports, weeds, weather and wildlife
1:15 p.m.: Judging begins for projects.
5-7 p.m.: Adult open class entered