The N.C. State Fair is known for its tasty treats and promotion of local commodities and other national products. One of its featured events highlights those specialties in the form of fun, family-friendly cooking challenges.
“We always strive to enhance the fair experience by introducing new, unique attractions while, of course, keeping beloved fan favorites,” said Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The Home Chef Challenge is back for another year, featuring reimagined food categories such as Tailgate Brunch for a Bunch and Not Your Mama’s Pimento Cheese.”
No professional chefs are allowed to enter the contest, only home chefs who are residents of North Carolina. The contests will be held in the North Lobby of Dorton Arena each day of the fair and winners will walk away with prize money — $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place. To sweeten the deal, winners will also become the proud owners of a blue ribbon. This year’s schedule is as follows:
- Tailgate Brunch for a Bunch Challenge — presented by N.C. State Basketball
- Thursday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m.
- Sinful Cinnamon Roll Challenge
- Friday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m.
- Milkshakes With SPIRIT! Challenge — co-presented by: Bogue Sound Distillery, Old Nick Williams Co. Farm & Distillery, and Southern Star (Southern Distilling Company)
- Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m.
- You Had Me at Chiffon: Pie Challenge
- Sunday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m.
- Cast Iron Cornbread Challenge — presented by Carolina Cooker
- Monday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m.
- Bake It 'Til You Make It Cheesecake Challenge
- Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m.
- Curry in a Hurry Challenge
- Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m.
- Pig in a Pot Crockpot Challenge — presented by Smithfield Foods
- Thursday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m.
- Ain't No Thing but a Chicken Wing Challenge — presented by House of Raeford
- Friday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m.
- Not Your Mama's Pimento Cheese Challenge — presented by North Carolina PTA
- Saturday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m.
- Ultimate Country Ham Biscuit Challenge
- Sunday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m.
On the day of their chosen competition, contestants must bring two copies of their recipe typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper in addition to their entry dish. They will be sent entry tags that need to be attached to the back of each copy of their recipe. Mailed or emailed recipes will not be accepted. Please note that all recipes submitted become the property of the N.C. State Fair and the sponsor of the contest.
Go to the “Home Chef Challenge” tab on the State Fair’s website, www.ncstatefair.org, for more information on the competition, required forms and important rules.
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