Arkansas Dairy Foods Contest winners named

Published June 5, 2017

LITTLE ROCK — Luke Baker of Siloam Springs (Benton Co.) and Zarah Dean of Ozark (Franklin Co.) were winners at the 60th annual Arkansas Dairy Foods Contest held May 31 at the state fairgrounds in Little Rock.

Luke Baker,15, son of James and Sondra Baker, took first place in the Main Dish competition with his “Cheesy Chicken Guacchi Explosion.” Zarah Dean, 14, daughter of Wes and Melanie Dean, took first in the Party Idea competition with “Cheesecake Bites.” Winners received $150 and a cookbook donated by Midwest Dairy.

Contestants were judged on the use of dairy products, originality, availability of ingredients, serving technique and craftsmanship of the dish. Arkansas Farm Bureau sponsored the event.

In the Main Dish competition, Emma Ferren of Searcy (White Co.) took second with “Fire Cheese Stuffed Shells.” Trinity Farmer of Oark (Johnson Co.) took third with “Simply Sensational Cheesy Chicken.” Caylee Turner of Ashdown (Little River Co.) took fourth with “Loaded Broccoli and Cheese Soup.”

In the Party Ideas competition, Mikenly Travis of Pea Ridge (Benton Co.) took second with “Cheesy Artichoke Baguette Bites.” Abby Frizzell of Clarksville (Johnson Co.) took third with Peachy Keen Cheesecake.” Anna Lamkin of Weiner (Poinsett Co.) took fourth with “Cinco Leches Cake.”

For additional photos and the winning recipes, visit our TasteArkansas.com blog.

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

Luke Baker of Benton County and his winning dish