...which can only mean one thing: it's County Fair time.
While I do plenty of baking throughout the year, Christmas and the County Fair are my main excuses to bake like a maniac. Like a Harley-riding, leather apron-type baker.
I entered a local fair for the first time a couple years ago when I lived in another state and I was up against some tough ranchwoman competition (and still came out with a few ribbons!). Of course, I'm anticipating the same sort of butter-slinging, flour-coated ladies here in Montana, so I have to be super prepared.
On the other hand, I really like the opportunity to try new things and haven't typically picked my tried and true recipes for fairs. It's definitely counter-intuitive to enter baked goods on a wing and prayer, but like I said, MANIAC.
So here's what I'm entering this year, with my eye on a blue ribbon or two. (And hell, a purple one would be nice, too.) The Fair's "official baked good" this year is the gingersnap, so it gets its very own category.
I'm not sure why I went with zucchini in the caramel rolls, but it sounded earthy and delicious and County Fair-y. That, and I love these Zucchini Caramel Cupcakes from Taste of Home. I decided to give them a test run on the weekend to make sure I was able to suitably counteract the added moisture... and I think they turned out JUST fine:
While I do plenty of baking throughout the year, Christmas and the County Fair are my main excuses to bake like a maniac. Like a Harley-riding, leather apron-type baker.
I entered a local fair for the first time a couple years ago when I lived in another state and I was up against some tough ranchwoman competition (and still came out with a few ribbons!). Of course, I'm anticipating the same sort of butter-slinging, flour-coated ladies here in Montana, so I have to be super prepared.
On the other hand, I really like the opportunity to try new things and haven't typically picked my tried and true recipes for fairs. It's definitely counter-intuitive to enter baked goods on a wing and prayer, but like I said, MANIAC.
So here's what I'm entering this year, with my eye on a blue ribbon or two. (And hell, a purple one would be nice, too.) The Fair's "official baked good" this year is the gingersnap, so it gets its very own category.
Rosemary Shortbread Coins
Gingersnap Sandwiches with Honey Lemon Filling
Zucchini Caramel Rolls
I'm not sure why I went with zucchini in the caramel rolls, but it sounded earthy and delicious and County Fair-y. That, and I love these Zucchini Caramel Cupcakes from Taste of Home. I decided to give them a test run on the weekend to make sure I was able to suitably counteract the added moisture... and I think they turned out JUST fine:
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