4-H'ers compete in Favorite Foods Contest

Presentation, creativity and delicious taste combined in Hannah Henrikson's "Vegan Manicotti with Tofu Ricotta" to earn her the first place award for 8- to 14-year-olds in North Cook County 4-H.

The cooking judges were greatly impressed with the skills of all competitors in this year's 4-H Favorite Foods Contest held at Harper College on Feb. 9.

Hannah's food preparation and kitchen skills were evident in the taste and how she plated her manicotti. The judges commented on the artistry of her day's menu. Not only did her menu include the recommended food groups and variety of colors, textures and flavors, but she had decorated the page with her art.

Ryan Sperling's "Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes" and Stevie Sperling's "Strawberry Shortcake Delight" tied for second place. The judges were impressed with the ratio of crab meat to breading in Ryan's crabcakes. The texture of Stevie's shortcake, along with his homemade whipped cream, delighted the judges.

Gretchen Heckard, a 7-year-old, took first place in the Cloverbud Division with her "Whipped Chocolate Mousse." Other entries in the younger group included chocolate peanut butter cups, chocolate chip overnight oatmeal, brown sugar shortbread, and chicken kebabs with orange and fennel.

4-H is a youth program under the direction of the University of Illinois Extension. Youth learn leadership, public presentation, and life skills, while also contributing to the community through service projects.

For information, contact the 4-H office at (773) 768-7779 or your local University of Illinois Extension office.

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