LITTLE ROCK — Hope McAlee of McRae (White Co.) and James Martin of Ward (Prairie Co.) were winners at the 57th annual Arkansas Dairy Foods Contest held June 4 at the state fairgrounds in Little Rock. McAlee, 15, daughter of Chris and Ginger McAlee, took first in the Main Dish competition with her “Toasted Macaroni and Pimento Cheese With Bacon Sandwich.” Martin, 13, son of Michele Martin, took first in the Party Idea competition with “Mac N Cheese Balls.” Winners received $150. Judges placed contestants based on recipe, use of dairy products, originality, availability of ingredients and serving technique. Arkansas Farm Bureau, Southwest Dairy Museum and Arkansas Dairy Cooperative Association sponsored the event. In the Main Dish competition, Kendall Yarbrough of Bentonville  (Benton Co.) took second with “Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Shells.” Zack Williams of Nashville (Howard Co.) took third with “Polish Sausage ‘n Corn.” Joseph May of Mountain Home (Baxter Co.) took fourth with “Cheesy Ravioli.” In the Party Ideas competition, Addie Blankenship of Everton (Boone Co.) took second with “Addie’s Mexican Mess.” Carlee Helms of DeQueen (Sevier Co.) took third with “Mississippi Sin Dip.” Michal-Ann Dobson of Magazine (Logan Co.) took fourth with “Ice Cream Sundae.” The winning recipes are:
Toasted Macaroni and Pimento Cheese With Bacon Sandwich

Pimento Cheese – 
•2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
•8 oz. cream cheese
•¾ cup Miracle Whip
•¼  teaspoon garlic powder
•¼ teaspoon onion powder
•¼ teaspoon paprika
•¼ teaspoon dark chili powder
•1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, use to personal taste)
•1 (4 oz.) jar pimento peppers, diced and drained 
• Salt and pepper as needed

Macaroni and Cheese — 
•2 cups macaroni
•2 tablespoons butter
•¼ cup pimento cheese spread
•4 oz. heavy whipping cream
•1 cup mixed blend of cheese
•4 oz. Velveeta cheese

Preparation: Pimento cheese — Place cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Miracle Whip, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, hot sauce and pimento peppers into a bowl and mix. Mixer may be used, although a simple spoon or fork works just as well. Season with salt and pepper. Macaroni and cheese — Cook macaroni in boiling water for 6-9 minutes. Once cooked, strain and place back in pot. Add butter, whipping cream and Velveeta. Once butter has melted, add cheese. Sandwich — Slice bread and butter on one side of the pieces of bread. Spread macaroni and cheese on one piece of bread and pimento cheese on the other piece. Chop bacon and place heart portion on macaroni side. Put sandwich together. Place sandwich in preheated skillet and toast bread to desired darkness. Flip sandwich and repeat step. Once finished toasting, remove from skillet. It is suggested that the sandwich is cut in half because this sandwich can be quite messy.

 Macaroni and Cheese Balls
•4 quarts water
•1 teaspoon salt, divided
•2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
•¼ cup milk
•8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
•¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
•½ cup grated jalapeno cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
•4 large eggs
•2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
•½ cup cornmeal
•Canola oil for frying

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grate and cube cheeses as noted above.
In a large saucepan, bring water and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil. Add pasta and cook 6-8 minutes. Drain well.
In a large bowl, combine hot cooked pasta, milk, Velveeta, mozzarella cheese, jalapeno cheese, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted. Shape into small balls (1-1/2 to 2 inches) and place on lined baking sheet. Put in freezer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and cornmeal. In another small bowl, whisk eggs. Dip balls into egg mixture and then dredge in breadcrumb mixture. In a large pot, pour oil to a depth of 2 inches and heat to 350 degrees. Fry mac and cheese balls in batches, 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve with marinara sauce or whatever sauce you like. Makes approximately 24 balls.

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Hope McAlee of McRae took first in the Main Dish competition with her “Toasted Macaroni and Pimento Cheese With Bacon Sandwich.” 

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James Martin of Ward took first in the Party Idea competition with “Mac N Cheese Balls.” 

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.