Contact: Contact: Wendy Talarico
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        Renee Hernandez
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     Whether the ingredients are chocolate, cream cheese or chile rellenos, the culinary competitions at the L.A. County Fair attract an array of creative dishes, entered by some of the finest non-professional made-in-their-own-kitchen chefs in the area.
 Cooking contests have been a popular draw at the Fair since its beginnings. But it’s not just pickled beets or a simple apple pie that competes for the blue ribbon. How about truffles, tortes or gazpacho?
     “We get a lot of great entries,” said George Geary, world renowned chef who takes a break each summer to coordinate the Fair’s Culinary Styles department. “Our cooking contests are just as popular as ever.”
     Geary said the contests have not changed much over the years. Why change what works? Chocolate chip cookie contest – a big hit with 32 entries. All American Pie – 30 entries. However, a few contests have been added to reflect what is presented on food network shows, such as “live” contests.
     “These are big,” Geary said. “We give them three ingredients, they bring five of their own, and they have to cook live in front of an audience.”
     While American families seem constantly pressed for time, making it difficult to sit down to a dinner made completely from scratch, Geary said the desire to cook and bake is still there.
     “People still cook, for some it just may be on weekends,” he said.
     He is also noticing that many young kids are entering cooking contests. “I think with few or no cooking classes in school any more, they need an outlet.” 
     Several competitions were held during the first two weeks of the Fair, with the winners listed below. Coming up next week are the popular SPAM championship on Wednesday, Sept. 27, “Live” Dessert on Friday, Sept. 29, and the 24th annual barbecue contest on Saturday, Sept. 30.

George Geary’s Cheesecake Recipe – held Sept. 13
1. Peggy Linberg – Upland – Fiesta Cheesecake
2. Janine Susag – Montclair – Pumpkin Cheesecake
3. Jill Hoffman – Chino – Elaine’s Rich, Rich Strawberry Cheesecake &
Robin van Geest – Norco – Dulce de Leche Cheesecake (two third places)

Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship – held Sept. 14
1. Heidi Ojeisekhoba – Upland – Black and White Chocolate Raspberry Torte
2. Kathy Howe – Claremont – Ghirardelli Chocolate Mocha Truffle Cake
3. Camille Waage – San Dimas – Ghirardelli English Toffee

Perfect Mexican Meal – held Sept. 15
1. Kathleen Davies-Morris – Chino – The Davies-Morris Families Perfect Mexican Meal
2. Marilyn Cruz – La Verne – Chiles Rellenos de Cerdo y Mucho Mas
3. Peggy Linberg – Upland – Chicken Mole with Coriander Rice and Roasted Corn with Cilantro Butter

The Perfect Wedding Cake – held Sept. 17
1.    Cynthia Weiss – San Dimas
2.    Laura Palomino – Chino
3.    Veronica Longhi – Glendale

Gingerbread House – held Sept. 17 
1.    Kristina Marroquin – Claremont
2.    Susan Smith – Victorville
3.    Kimberly Dane – Rancho Cucamonga

Blue Ribbon Chocolate Chip Cookie – held Sept. 17
1. April Burton – Rowland Heights – Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
2. Barrie Linberg – Upland – Cookies without Borders
3. Pat Lapiezo – La Mesa - Chocolate Chip Strawberry Fudge Blossoms

Blue Ribbon Brownie – held Sept. 17
1. Alberta Dunbar – San Diego – Brownie Triangles Ala Italiano
2. Cheryl Akeney – Anaheim – Chocolate Chambord Raspberry Brownies
3. Janet Davidson – Alta Loma – Dark Chocolate Brownies

George Geary’s Biscuit Mix – held Sept. 20
Main dish
1. Marilyn Cruz – La Verne -