International Foods Featured in State Fair Youth Cooking Competition

• by Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/22/2009)(readMedia)-- Aspiring chefs squared off in a battle of foreign foods in the International Cooking competition judged Tuesday at the 2009 Iowa State Fair.

Natalie Ridgeway of Johnston won First Place Overall with Italian Spice Cookies.

Heather Ward of Ankeny earned Second Place Overall with Borsch with Beef and Pork, and Matthew Marwedel of Panora claimed Third Place Overall with Pulkogi, a traditional Korean dish of marinated beef.

Entries were judged on taste, authenticity and appearance.

Additional results below:

Main Dish/Entrée

1) Heather Ward, Ankeny

2) Matthew Marwedel, Panora

3) Ryan Jordan, Des Moines

Dessert or Other Sweet Dish

1) Natalie Ridgway, Johnston

2) Nick Sauer, Ames

3) Marissa Kephart, Carlisle

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the newly-renovated Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"State Fair Time" runs through August 23. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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