Daily Herald Baking Challenge contestants advance

Dozens of bakers turned out, treats in hand, Thursday night for the Daily Herald's Home Baking Challenge, and after the judges had tasted every last dessert, 10 bakers were selected to represent the suburbs at America's Baking and Sweets Show.

Those moving onto to the judging table at next week's event are: Barb Knuth, peanut brittle; Nancy Smearman, oatmeal cookie; Heidi Trocha, macaroons; Nick Brenkus, bread pudding; Nancy Nowaczek, fruit cake; Lyn Stanton, marble Bundt cake; Elizabeth Sulzener, lemon pound cake; Pat Shepard, pecan pie; Lynda Turner, carrot muffins and Louis Margiotta, butter tart.

Their winning recipes in each category will go up against recipes collected from bakers around the country during the America's Baking and Sweet Show Nov. 15 to 17 at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.

While the crowd of 100-plus bakers and baking enthusiasts watching cooking demonstrations and noshed on holiday appetizers, Daily Herald Food Editor Deborah Pankey, Daily Herald Baking Secrets columnist Annie Overboe and Gail Eisenberg of Gail's Brownies in Buffalo Grove judged the treats.

The baking season kick-off event was held at Novak & Parker appliance store in Mount Prospect.