MIDDLEBURY — Forty-one Addison County 4-H’ers participated in the Addison County 4-H Foods Day at Middlebury Union Middle School, on Saturday, Feb. 24. In keeping with the theme, Dreaming of Picnic Days, participants brought dishes for evaluation and took part with others in their age group in three different labs. The event, sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H in Addison County, was open to 4-H’ers, ages 5 to 18, enrolled in county 4-H clubs.
Labs included the Germ City nutrition lab, where the youths learned about food safety and the proper way to clean their hands, using a black light to check for germs after washing; an exercise lab featuring Volleyball; and a foods lab, where the 4-H’ers honed their culinary skills as they prepared food for a lunch buffet and snack break.
Foods from the culinary contest were served at lunch. The contest was evaluated by Middlebury’s Hannaford Career Center culinary students and 4-H volunteers. Judging was based on presentation including table setting and appropriate garnishes, appearance and taste, among other criteria.
Winners by age group were:
GRADES K-2 (desserts): Trevor Wright, Bridport, cherry pie in a jar (first); Noah Sheldrick, Salisbury. whoopie pies (second); Annika Smits, Addison, mini fruit pizza (third)
GRADES 3-4 (salads): Lydia Raymond, Charlotte, creamy potato salad (first); Adrienne Smits, Addison, wheat berry salad (second); Alexis Whipple, Bridport, garden salad with ranch dressing (third)
GRADES 5-7 (sandwiches): Emma Oliver, Bridport, curry chicken salad sandwich (first); Shyanne Wedge, Shoreham, cranberry walnut chicken salad (second); Erin Whipple, Bridport, turkey wrap (third)
GRADES 8-12 (bean bonanza): McKenna White, Whiting, paella (first); Katherine Whipple, Bridport, chocolate black bean muffins (second); Catara Doner, Middlebury, green bean casserole (third).