Norwalk Cook Wins State Fair Jalapeno Pepper Cooking Crown

DES MOINES, IA (08/16/2018) (readMedia)-- Pamela Reynolds of Norwalk won first place and a $50 cash award in the Something Hot competition, judged Sunday at the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

Mary Tibbetts of Urbandale earned second place and Jennifer Bartles of Des Moines claimed third place.

Judges also awarded Honorable Mention to Jase Aldridge of Kellogg.

Contestants were tasked with creating an award worthy dish that featured jalapeno peppers.

Entries were judged on taste, originality and appearance.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 171 divisions, 727 classes and over 9,574 entries at this year's Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Nothing Compares to State Fair Moments, August 9-19, 2018. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.