RALEIGH, N.C. – The State Farmers Market and the N.C. Strawberry Association are looking for the best strawberry dessert in the Triangle.
Home cooks, bakers and pastry chefs of all skill levels are encouraged to enter their favorite strawberry dessert for a chance at prize money and bragging rights. Winners will be announced during the market’s annual Strawberry Day event May 3.
To qualify, desserts must include at least two cups of N.C. strawberries, and strawberries must be a main ingredient. Recipes will be judged on flavor, appearance, quality and creative use of strawberries. All entries must be in disposable containers and include the complete recipe with cooking instructions, along with contestant’s name, address and telephone number. Recipes need not be original, but original source should be included. A total of $400 in prize money will be awarded for the top three desserts, with $200 for first place, $125 for second and $75 for third.
Desserts can be dropped off between 8 and 10 a.m. at the State Farmers Market Administrative Office at 1201 Agriculture Street in Raleigh. Judging is open to media, and will start at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at noon at the Events Center, located between the N.C. Seafood Restaurant and gardening vendors.
The Strawberry Day event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and features free samples of strawberry ice cream, visits with strawberry mascot Suzy Strawberry, and free strawberry recipes to take home. In addition, market vendors will have locally grown strawberries and strawberry products for purchase.
For more information on Strawberry Day and other special events held at the State Farmers Market, go to www.statefarmersmarket.org.
–Monica Wood, State Farmers Market