Food: Taste of Honey Challenge

Sweet Taste of Victory for Marshalltown Cook in Fair Honey Contest

Elly Mack of Marshalltown won First Place Overall and a total of $225 in cash awards in the Taste of Honey Challenge competition judged Saturday, August 10, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Contestants were challenged to create award winning breads, desserts, dressings, appetizers and snacks that featured Golden Ridge Honey as an ingredient.

Entries were judged on taste, best use of honey and appearance.

Complete results follow:

Breads

1) Elly Mack, Marshalltown

2) Susan Desmond, Urbandale

3) Amy Fuson, Indianola

Desserts

1) Joyce Larson, New Market

2) Natalie Larson, Des Moines

3) Alissa Puffett, West Des Moines

Honey Challenge – Dressings, Appetizers, Snacks

1) Joyce Larson, New Market

2) Barb Miller, Prairie City

3) Natalie Larson, Des Moines

Youth Entries (17 and under)

1) None

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.