State Fair confidential

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The line for the baking competition drop-off yesterday at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds was long and giddy. The ladies in front of us were first timers. Their cookies were pretty enough to be contenders. We peeked into the stroller of the new mom behind us, searching for her 2-month old son. Instead we found beautiful gluten-free cookies, caramel chocolate bars, and three quick breads. Those were really really pretty babies. Continue Reading

The fun begins: Competitive cooking at the 2013 Minnesota State Fair

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The first of four Minnesota State Fair cooking contest drop-offs was yesterday and the line of competitors didn’t disappoint. I chatted with a twenty-something about her savory mini-pies (a pretty tater tot hotdish-inspired dish with Mexican flavors) and her boyfriend’s caramel apple dessert pie. I met a former Pillsbury Pie Blue Ribbon Winner who, according to new by-laws, can no longer compete in any Pillsbury Pie competition. She was toting some gorgeous turtle cookies for Ghiradelli’s Bite-Sized Championship and peered through the window of my pastry box to scrutinize my tiny mocha donuts. We compared baking notes. (Her trick to successful pie crust? Apple cider vinegar.) Continue Reading

Best grilled chicken wings ever, headed for the state fair

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Last year was my first year competing at the Minnesota State Fair and as is my usual mode I didn’t think too deeply before stringing a few ingredients together and calling it a recipe. To win a few ribbons that first time out was, well, super neat. But, having that first taste of success made me anxious about hitting the sophomore slump this time around. I am spending a lot of time this summer concocting recipes that I think have a shot in this year’s Creative Activities and Ag-Hort-Bee contests. Continue Reading

Prepping for the fair

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Summer is only a few weeks old and already we are heavily into State Fair training. On a hot weekday afternoon we battled the sweaty crowds and strollers at Como Park Zoo. We stood in line for “zooper” treats and ahead of us three counselors in matching camp t-shirts ordered 20 ice cream cups, 10 cones, and three lemonades. By the time I stepped up to the cashier to purchase a cone the frozen ice cream was gone. The teen behind the counter presented a melty mess and apologetically asked if I’d prefer a refund. I did. Continue Reading

Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Concert first-timers Sheryl Crow, Dwight Yoakam set to perform

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The Minnesota State Fair announced Sheryl Crow, with special guest Dwight Yoakam, is added to the 2013 Grandstand Concert Series. This will be the first Minnesota State Fair concert appearance for both Crow and Yoakam, said Solveig Hommema, of the State Fair public relations department. Their show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. Tickets are $39 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Sat. Continue Reading

Minnesota State Fair joins Pinterest

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The Minnesota State Fair joined the online social community Pinterest as a new feature for 2013 fairgoers. “We are hoping to make Pinterest a great resource for fair guests,” said Christine Noonan of the Minnesota State Fair Marketing and Communications department. Noonan said they have 160 followers since going live June 19. The Minnesota State Fair Pinterest board categories include: New Foods 2013, New Attractions & Exhibits, Healthy at the Fair, Little Tykes, Fair on a Budget, Events on the Fairgrounds and Patriotic Cat Photo Contest. The winner of the Patriotic Cat Photo Contest board went to the cat “President Cleo.” Cleo received a winning prize package to the 2013 Internet Cat Video Festival at the State Fair Grandstand Aug. Continue Reading