Food: Creative Cooking with Fresh Herbs

Fresh Flavors Win Honors in State Fair Herb Cooking Contest

Ann Gillotti of Ankeny won First Place Overall in the Creative Cooking with Fresh Herbs competition judged Saturday, August 10, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Contestants were challenged to create award-worthy appetizers, breads and desserts featuring at least one herb.

Entries were judged on flavor, creativity and appearance.

Additional results follow:

Appetizer

1) Alicia Rigdon, Mediapolis

2) Ann Gillotti, Ankeny

3) None

Bread

1) Barb Miller, Prairie City

2) Alicia Rigdon, Mediapolis

3) None

Dessert

1) Ann Gillotti, Ankeny

2) Alissa Puffett, West Des Moines

3) Daniel Hodges, Ames

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and over 6,400 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.