I dont need a blue ribbon . . . I have a purple "Best of Show"!
My very first entry in a fair paid off big time! I am so proud!
Today in the Sweet Grass County Fair, I entered a yellow cake with marshmallow creme frosting (I cant say enough good things about that frosting!) in the Decorated Cakes division. When you get up close, it looks like a summer poolside scene.
Now I get a kick out of having the ribbon, and I am proud to say someone bid $50 for the cake at the fair auction. But when I brought my entry in, I could see it was already a winner. Anything that makes people happy is an instant winner.
Every entry was obviously a winner. Who could lose after making something special to share with fair-goers?
Now just so you know, a best of show ribbon means my cake was the best of all the cakes that were entered this year. And there were some nice-looking ones, including a darling set of cupcakes that were coated with white chocolate to look like eggs and presented in an egg carton. (Sorry, no pic. I was too awestruck by my own fortune.)My cake was rated on taste as well as appearance, and that is why I am especially proud. The judges notes read: "Very creative, lots of detail, good flavor, frosting creamy but not too sweet."
After judging, all entries throughout the fair are auctioned off (with the owners permission) to pay for judges and ribbons. I was awfully proud that someone thought my cake was worth $50!
Here is my fabulous icing recipe, which I got out of a 1999 Womans Day magazine. You can be a winner, too!
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Beat butter in a medium bowl with mixer on medium speed until creamy. Beat in marshmallow creme. When well blended, beat in confectioners sugar and vanilla. Increase speed to high and beat 3 to 4 minutes until fluffy.
Makes 3 cups.
I dare you not to keep nibbling at this as you put it on the cake!
Ive been warned that winning ribbons at the fair is addictive. Yep, Im already planning for next year. Read all about The Rowdy Bakers blue ribbon experience!
See you next year at the fair!
It was a beautiful sunny day for the afternoon farmers market in Big Sky. During winter, this resort area is swarming with energetic skiiers and snowboarders, but in summer, a lazy kind of insouciance predominates. There are plenty of energetic hikers enjoying numerous trails, but by the time they reach the market, they slow down.
The llamas from Manhattan are fun to pet, and they also supplied the wool for handspun yarn and soft, warm, non-itchy clothing.
Other fun, practical items for sale included these darling tote bags made by a proud and happy vendor who calls her business "I Kissed a Toad."
Unlike a store, no two markets will offer the same merchandise, so do visit to see whats available next time.
