Dairy Food Contest "Mooving"
Right Along

 

by: Johanna Hicks
Hopkins County Agri-Life Extension Agent

 

 

Entries for the 2009 Dairy Foods contest are slowly coming in.  You still have a little time to turn in your favorite recipe containing real dairy products, so grab that cookbook and send in your entry form.  Categories are cheesecake, other desserts (could be pies, cakes, cookies, candy, etc.), nutritious snacks, and main dish.  There is an age division for all - children (11 & under); youth (ages 12-18);  adults (ages 19-59); older adults (ages 60 & up).  It's really quite simple to enter. 

Here's how it works: 1.  Find a recipe containing at least two dairy products.  You could use two different kinds of cheese or milk, or a combination.  For this contest, butter, cream, whipped cream (the real thing - not imitation non-dairy whipped topping) and cream cheese will count as dairy products.  By the way, eggs are NOT a dairy product, even though they are in the dairy section of most grocery stores! 2.  Fill out the entry form, available at our office, 1200 W. Houston, or on-line at http://hopkins-co.tamu.edu (click on 'publications').  3.  Bring or mail the completed entry form to the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12. 4.  On the actual day of the contest, bring the prepared dish, ready for display, to the Extension Office between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m.  We will keep hot things hot, and cold things cold until judging time, so please tell the registration volunteer if your dish has temperature requirements. 5.  Judging will take place at 10:00 a.m., so you are welcome to run a few errands or visit the park while you wait. 6.  An awards presentation will be conducted after judging, approximately 11:00 a.m.  All entries will receive something, with 'Best of Show' given to one individual in each age group and entry category. 7.  Following the awards presentation, you are free to take your dish.        

A few more things to keep in mind...entrants must be Hopkins County residents.  I know there are some who would like to enter who don't reside in the County, but we want to showcase our great Hopkins County cooks!  Also keep in mind that when you submit your written form, spell out the words in the recipe (example: teaspoon, not 'tsp.').  This will help us when we prepare the recipe booklet.     

Speaking of recipe booklet, I forgot to mention that all recipes submitted will be compiled into a booklet to be given to each entrant, plus a few extras for judges, volunteers, media, and spectators.  I always look forward to seeing all the great recipes!      We will not have sampling available for the public due to insufficient quantity to feed all who would like to taste.  However, if you are not entering a dish and want to actually taste some of the entries, let me know and I'll sign you up as one of our judges!   

 

  

There you have it...everything you need to know about the 2009 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Dairy Foods Contest (try saying that 3 times!).  If you have more questions, feel free to call my office - 903-885-3443.    Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes     

The summer series of "Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes" is scheduled to begin Monday, June 8.  We have only a few spaces remaining, so if you are interested in attending, contact my office Monday morning in order for us to be adequately prepared.  For those who have signed up, you should have received a letter in the mail with the registration form and pre-test.  Please bring those with you when you come.  (If you forget, I'll have extras on hand, but it will save time to bring them already completed.)  Starting time is 1:30 p.m., and the sessions will last approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours with a 10 minute break.     

As a reminder, here are the details:  dates are June 8, 11, 15, 18, and 22, to be held at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 w. Houston Street (former Chamber of Commerce building), 1:30 p.m.  Cost is $10 for the entire series, payable at the door, which will help cover materials, refreshments, samples, and door prizes.  It will be beneficial to attend all sessions, but if for some reason you must miss a class, handouts will be saved for you.      Past participants have indicated learning how to better control their blood glucose by selecting correct food choices, increasing physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose;  making the most out of doctors visits; and eating healthier at home and away from home.  Hemoglobin A1c has improved, and recipients have been more aware of high and low blood sugar triggers.  You can't argue with results like that!  

Closing Thought Watch your actions; they become habits.      

Johanna Hicks
Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Hopkins County
Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences
1200 Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 Phone: 903-885-3443
Fax: 903-439-4909
e-mail: jshicks@ag.tamu.edu