Author: Cyndi Harles

2024 “Top 30 State Fairs” List

New: 2024 “Top 30 State Fairs” List

Do you love state fairs like we do? Check out our new 2024 “Top 30 State Fairs” list. This second annual compilation is based exclusively on two factors: per day attendance numbers (total 2023 attendance divided by total days open) and their baking competitions (history of past Blue Ribbon Group special contests). Our other criteria? They have to take place the second half of the year, the Blue Ribbon Group official state fair season.

All 30 fairs on our best state fair list have higher per day attendances than any other U.S. state fair happening July to October each year. Attendances ranged from 27K to 153K for per day averages (based on top 30 list). That is A LOT of people through the gates each day. All take place in the second half of the year, with the majority happening in August and September. The State Fair of Texas has the highest total attendance – 2.5 million – but since it’s spread out over twice as many days as Minnesota and others, it lands in the 4^th “best state fair” spot.

Big E Fair Added for 1st Time: Lands in Top 10

New to our “Top 30 State Fairs” list is the Big E, the biggest fair in Massachusetts. I lands in the # 8 spot. The Big E is considered America’s only multi-state fair and is the largest in the whole NE region. As a result, we count the Big E as a state fair. It represents all of New England with entertainment, unique foods, competitions, and more. Per research, the Big E’s Massachusetts State Exhibition Hall literally pays homage to all six New England states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. We have had many cookie contests at the Big E in years past. Welcome to our best state fair list Big E!

The other biggest changes with our list:

Attendance leapt at many of the fairs, especially at Kentucky (up 14 percent) and at Wisconsin, Ohio, and New York, among others
Total attendance for all 30 top fairs jumped from 22.2 million fairgoers to 23.5 million
We narrowed the top 30 list to only have official state – or multi-state – fairs.
At the same time, we added 20 runner-up best fairs, an Honorable Mention list.

2024 Honorable Mention U.S. Fairs:

For the first time, we also compiled an “honorable mention list” of sorts, to include the largest county and regional fairs we have worked with over the years. This gives our list greater/deeper representation of the entire country. Six land on the West Coast. Six land in the Northeast. The rest span the entire continental U.S.

Daily average attendance numbers range from 94K to 10K per day, which is how they are ranked here.

Since 2006, Blue Ribbon Group has managed special recipe contests at large state, county and regional fairs. Find a collection of winning recipes at BlueRibbonGroup.net and featured on BlueRibbonFoodies on Instagram and Facebook.

Homemade Twix Shortbread Cookies

We admittedly got a bit addicted to these Homemade Twix Shortbread Cookies. I personally grew up a fan of Twix, the caramel and milk chocolate cookie bars…and the peanut butter version. A variation on this recipe won “best new entrant” at the 2014 L.A. County Fair. We used the recipe Nellie won with as our inspiration for our own version.

We ended up making these cookies a second way also, as creative thumbprint cookies.

They turned out tasty both ways, but the thumbprint version did a bit better holding the caramel center.

Baking Tips/Tricks:

The top tip for making these homemade Twix shortbread cookies is to make the indents deep in the cookie dough, as they spread out and puff up quite a bit when you bake them. We didn’t do this in the first version but wished we had.

For the caramel, be sure to use a low shallow pan inside a larger one when you are turning the sweetened condensed milk to caramel. While you can buy premade caramel or dulce de leche, this simple version is oh so yum and easy if you have the right pans. Another option for the caramel filling, is to boil the whole can of sweetened condensed milk, unopened for two hours. This has become my go-to way since it requires less attention to detail.

Once you taste the richness and perfect texture of these cookies, you will go crazy for them too. The recipe makes a pretty large batch…about 40 cookies. The quantity is enough, so plenty to share with others, if they last that long.

If you’re looking for more candy-bar inspired sweet treats, check out our Butterfinger blue ribbon winning cookies.

Enjoy!

-Cyndi

Nutty Seed & Honey Tart

This Nutty Seed & Honey Tart will fulfill any nut lover’s dreams. This is because the tart packs in a ton of nuts. It has 12 ounce can of mixed nuts, plus sliced almonds and pistachios. You can’t go wrong with that many nuts. It’s nutty how many nuts it has! With our upcoming “Nutty Cookie Contest” at the Minnesota State Fair (find the deets here), this recipe immediately came to mind. I plan on making a cookie version of it. Let this all-time favorite blue ribbon recipe be your inspiration too!

Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are this pie’s other “crunchy” ingredients. You could opt for pepitas, my personal preference, instead of pumpkin seeds. Vary up the ingredients however you want. Cashews and whole almonds would work well in this recipe too.

This award-winning tart is sweetened with clover honey and brown sugar. Almond extract gives the tart a flavor boost. Butter and cream in the filling give just the right amount richness. The amounts are perfect.

The recipe comes together easily, especially with a pre-made pie crust. If you want a homemade piecrust, find one of our favorites here.

Altogether, this Nutty Seed & Honey Tart makes for a delicious dessert you’ll be proud to serve. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and the texture is unforgettable. It’s both rich and chewy.

Award-Winning Recipe

Recipe credit for this blue ribbon winning tart goes to Elaine Mason who won first place with this recipe at the 2013 Wisconsin State Fair.

The contest was a pie baking championship that Pillsbury sponsored. It ran for 18 years and remained popular the entire time.

This Nutty Seed & Honey Tart is an all-time favorite. One taste and you will know why.

Enjoy!

-Cyndi

2024 Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests

2024 Minnesota State Fair Special Contests To Feature New Fresh Salsa, Nutty Cookie, Mighty Muffin Recipe Contests

Minneapolis-St Paul, MN – July 22, 2024 – With over 75 baking and cooking categories at the Minnesota State Fair this year, home cooks and bakers will have many ways to win in the kitchen, including $1,000 in prizes in Blue Ribbon Group special contests and awards. The annual and much beloved tradition of blue ribbon baking and cooking returns!

There’s a new Fresh Salsa contest thanks to Bushel Boy Farms, a Nutty Cookie contest from the Blue Ribbon Group, and a Mighty Muffin contest from 3 Cricketeers. The general/classic baking categories (divided into “classes”), range from 28 types of bread and 21 types of cookies, to 12 different kinds of cakes, and 3 pie flavors, plus international and gluten-free baking divisions. Let the games, er… Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests BEGIN!

Register by Tue July 30, 2024, 4:30pm; All Special Contests & All Baking Categories Take Place Sat Aug 17, 2024

Rally time is now! Look for these new special contests, each with $100 to $200 for first place, plus runner-up prizes and special awards. Registration is now open. It closes Tue , 2024, 4:30pm CT. All contests happen Sat August 17, 2024, drop off 9:30am to 1pm, Creative Activities Building. Winners announced Thu August 22, 2024. Having trouble finding what you need to participate? Drop us a line here.

Bushel Boy Farms “Fresh Salsa Recipe Rally”

Make a fresh-tasting, crowd-pleasing salsa with premium, locally grown Bushel Boy Farms tomatoes as the star ingredient. Bushel Boy’s tomatoes are grown right here in Owatonna, Minnesota at their high-tech greenhouses and picked at perfect ripeness. Combine them with other ingredients for a masterful and award-winning homemade salsa (refrigerated, not processed/canned). Present with your favorite chips for dipping. $350 in prizes await the top 3 winners, plus bonus prizes for canned salsas (Class 1245 & 1246). Find recipe inspiration @BushelBoyFarms on Instagram & Facebook.

Join Bushel Boy Farms to celebrate opening day of the fair, Thu August 22, 2024. They will take over the Cambria Kitchen to showcase fresh tomato creations and salsa contest winners, plus offer complimentary samples and other giveaways throughout the day.

Blue Ribbon Group “Nutty Cookie Contest”

Come compete in the “Nutty Cookie Contest” from the Blue Ribbon Group. We want a creative variety of nut-centric winning cookies. Make your tasty treats with your favorite nuts, from peanuts and pistachios to almonds and cashews. Any nut goes and any type tracks. They can be classic or creative: think biscotti, nut clusters, butter pecan shortbread, monster cookies, and more. Wow the judges with your outstanding cookie, how it looks and what they experience biting into it. A unique mix of cookies will win. Prizes are $200, $100 and $50 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively. Find inspiration @BlueRibbonFoodies on Instagram & Facebook.

Join us Sun August 25 at the fair for our Nutty Tarts & Treats event (Cambria Kitchen, Creative Activities Building). In the meantime, find a fantastic sample recipe to make here.

Mighty Muffin Recipe Contest

Make your 3 Cricketeers Mighty Muffin entry with 3C’s Pure Cricket Powder (1/4 cup or more) and additional ingredients known to give you power and energy, such as nuts, seeds, oatmeal, peanut butter, and chocolate. Awards: $100 (1st Place), $75 (2nd Place), $50 (3rd Place). Find their online store at 3 Cricketeers. Use code StateFair2024 for free shipping on your first order. Share your creative process by posting on Facebook or Instagram. Tag #3cricketeers

Join 3 Cricketeers on Fri August 23 for a day of demos and free tastings (Cambria Kitchen, Creative Activities Building).

Special thanks to our prize partner and all-around amazing baking company:

Key Contest Dates to Remember

Competitors Register by Tue July 30, 2024, 4:30pm
Drop Off Day Sat Aug 17, 20, 9:30am to 1pm
View Winner Displays & Recipe Demos Aug 22 to Sep 2 in Creative Activities Building

First Time Participant or Need a Refresher?

All registration goes through the Minnesota State Fair competition department. Registration is free! Once you’re signed up, there is no obligation if you later can’t participate. Go to the Competitions/Creative Activities/Baked Products section at MNStateFair.org to sign up (under the Participants tab).

Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests: Quick-start tips:

Find all baking rules, regs, open classes, and cool special contests here and be sure to download the Creative Activities/Baked Goods Premium Book Section. Jump to pages 12-14 for the special contests, page by page.
Sign up for the Competition Department email list here and be sure to choose “Creative Activities” as your email list.
Create your online account here (then be sure your registration clears and is confirmed by email).
For step-by-step guidance: go here (for a written tutorial) or here (for a video) For FAQ (frequently asked questions) go here.

Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests: Resources are aplenty, but if you still have questions, never hesitate to ask. The state fair competition office can be reached 651-288-4417 or competition@mnstatefair.org. We are available too, at statefairteam@blueribbongroup.net.

Espresso Salted Caramel Turtle Sandies

These Espresso Salted Caramel Turtle Sandies are another all-time favorite cookie from our archives. With state fair season upon us, the timing is perfect for trying new recipes. Give this one a shot. Maybe perfect it for a cookie to enter at your fair this year.

The espresso powder the recipe calls for gives the cookie distinction. It is in the cookie dough, along with mini chocolate chips and pecans, which add another dimension to the cookie. Once baked, you add a caramel drizzle, made from caramel bits. You finish the cookies with some flair: a sprinkling of chopped pecans and a drizzle of bittersweet chocolate chips.

Espresso salted caramel turtle sandies won first place many years back at the Ohio State Fair, 2014, to be exact. Recipe credit goes to blue ribbon winning baker, Janet Gill.

Janet wanted to compete with a new take on the famous Pecan Sandies many of us know. Mission accomplished! With its mocha flavor and delicious drizzles, Janet created quite an epic cookie and deserves major kudos.

My mom who baked our test run with me said to note that tasters should chew slowly and luxuriously to enjoy all the delightful dimensions of this cookie! I agree. Find out for yourself and bake these today! And if you love pecans, be sure to try this other Ohio State Fair winning cookie for Toasted Pecan Honey Squares.

-Cyndi

Best Turkey Burgers

Want a recipe for the very Best Turkey Burgers? Look no further. This recipe is simple, yet incredibly tasty and delicious. Plus, you can add or swap ingredients to make a variety of flavors.

These burgers have become one of my favorite go-to meals. I never tire of any of the flavors and find them a big crowd pleaser.

Best Turkey Burgers? What’s In them?

ground turkey: I like to keep two or three packages in my freezer, for whenever the turkey burger craving hits. And it’s often!
red bell pepper: for added color, moisture, and hit of sweetness
red onion: for the taste and aromatic factor
quick oats: a binder that’s another protein source
garlic: an essential for extra flavor and zip
ground cumin: adds a glamorous taste to it
Worcestershire sauce: a classic ingredient
jalapeno: another essential, for me, for heat

This is a big batch recipe for the best turkey burgers. Cut if you want smaller quantities, or better yet, make the entire batch and freeze portions for later use.

I like to insert parchment or wax paper between each burger for easier separating once their thawed. You could also freeze in larger portions and divide into the size you want when you’re ready to cook them.

They taste great on the grill. I use a wire mesh pan I have prepped with nonstick spray and place that right on the grill. I made them wide and flat since they perk and firm up as they cook. If I am frying in a pan, I flatten them a bit extra with a spatula before and as I cook them.

Favorite Toppings? Tomatoes and red onions!

Mix It Up!

For flavor variety, add some or all of these ingredients for Thai- inspired burgers. Just be sure to offset any liquid additions with more quick oats. My favorites? The first two on this list.

garlic chili paste
red curry paste
sesame oil
soy sauce
fish sauce
fresh lime juice

Red chili paste is the “secret ingredient” I’m told. I tend to agree.

For a different tack, you can opt for a classic version and go with these mix-ins.

grated carrot: a medium or large sized one works well
fresh thyme leaves, minced or dried
egg

This version will give you a firmer burger that’s more meatloaf like in texture and flavor.

The recipe below gives you ingredients for 3 types. For serving, all are tasty enough to eat solo. You could smother it in avocado for a high-protein, low carb type of meal. Or you could do the traditional bun, lettuce and tomato which is also really taste.

Any way you go, this will make a delicious meal. Enjoy!

p.s. And if you’re looking for another great ground turkey recipe, give this protein bowl a try and use ground turkey.

Pistachio Cranberry Scones

These Pistachio Cranberry Scones are easy to make at home and have all the flavor of a classic baked good but without sugar. Seriously, they are so scrumptious! Homemade deliciousness! As a result of no sugar, you can eat these with less guilt than sugar-filled ones or store-bought versions.

There’s something irresistible about the combo of cranberries and pistachio. You’ll love the pop of sweetness from the cranberries and the distinct taste of the pistachio nut.

flour
granulated sweetener
baking powder
cream of tartar
salt
orange zest
heavy cream
dried cranberries
pistachios

You make this recipe in one bowl and on a lightly-floured surface.

They’re simple and easy to shape but not basic tasting. They deserve high marks! Maybe even a blue ribbon!

With this Pistachio Cranberry Scones recipe having no added sugar – using Splenda products – it’s perfect for those living with diabetes, I also recently read that pistachios are good for lowering blood sugar levels. Check out the article here.

Mini Cheesecakes

Mini cheesecakes make great after-dinner desserts.

Their size is small enough so you don’t feel like you are over indulging. At the same time, their richness and creaminess will easily satisfy your sweet tooth. With the paper liners, they transport easily and work well at parties as easy-to-pass-around desserts.

You’ll love the texture and tang of these mini cheesecakes. You can credit that to the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Another great thing about them is how easy they are to make. There are just three ingredients in the crust: graham crackers, butter and brown sugar. In seconds you are half-way done making this dessert.

The filling has just four core ingredients (cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla), plus whatever flavoring(s) and food color(s) you choose. And that’s the added beauty of this recipe. You can flavor your mini cheesecakes in so many different ways. With all the extracts and compatible ingredients, the options are endless. I’ve made many coconut versions with this coconut extract from Frontier-Co-op, plus a lot with citrus extracts. Key lime anyone? Chocolate is another go-to. And think of all the fruits you could feature. Any berry would work, or banana, or even mango. You could go the cookie/candy path, with crushed Oreos, Reese’s peanut butter cups, or Snickers.

For this version and because of my state fair love, I did cotton candy mini cheesecakes. I’ve been in love with cotton candy as a flavor since my first taste at the since closed, Izzy’s Ice Cream. In fact, I confess to not liking cotton candy itself, at all! But put cotton candy flavoring in something creamy and I’m all in. One of my favorite products to use is Amoretti’s cotton candy “artisan flavor.” It gives the cheesecake almost a raspberry meets cotton candy.

I hope you get to enjoy these soon!

-Cyndi

Toasted Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Toasted Pecan Shortbread Cookies: these are an outstanding winning recipe from the Wisconsin State Fair, created by Joan Giesfeldt. They are an all-time-favorite from our archives, winning 1st place a decade ago, 2014.

They are an impressive cookie, and Joan shared a few tips about preparing them:

Toast the pecans ahead of time to bring out their nutty aroma and flavor. (Note: Browning the butter for the filling is going to boost that nuttiness also.)

For the vanilla ingredient, Joan says she prefers a Madagascar version. She also used an ultra-fine baker’s sugar for sprinkling on the top half of the cookie.

With the richness of the dough, her other tip is to handle the dough as little as possible once it comes out of the freezer. The cookies will keep their form a bit better.

When we test ran these toasted pecan shortbread cookies, they were a favorite among our tasters. Let’s just say one off them said they were magical!

Cookie lovers and baking fans: take the time to bake a batch of these sooner rather than later. They are totally worth your time!

-Cyndi

P.S. Looking for more Wisconsin winning recipes? Don’t miss this one, yet another all-time favorite.

Lemon Lavender Cookies

Lemon Lavender Cookies. Don’t those sound delicious? They are from Indianapolis hobby baker Jennifer Dickie, who won several special contests we organized at the Indiana State Fair. Jennifer grows her own lavender and puts it into her cookies. She says they’re deceivingly simple but have a big wow factor when people taste them. They are a light, delicate cookie and not overly sweet.

4 Main Ingredients:

Butter
Powdered sugar
Flour
Salt

Ready to make these lemon lavender cookies? Here are the main steps:

Beat the butter until fluffy, then slowly add the powdered sugar, flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
You stir in the zest and dried lavender by hand.
Last, you chill the dough before rolling out with granulated sugar, then cut into desired shapes.

Jennifer suggests dipping your cookie cutters in granulated sugar for easier release. Once baked, which you do for about 20 minutes, you allow them to cool. As an optional finishing step, you can make a simple glaze for on top.

Another great thing about these cookies, you can customize them by changing up the flavors, like we did, morphing them into holiday shortbread. Get creative with the flavors and colors to have various version of this cookie. You are going to love them!

-Cyndi

Blue Ribbon Group Serving State & County Fairs for 20+ years

Author: Cyndi Harles

2024 “Top 30 State Fairs” List

New: 2024 “Top 30 State Fairs” List

Big E Fair Added for 1st Time: Lands in Top 10

2024 Honorable Mention U.S. Fairs:

Homemade Twix Shortbread Cookies

Baking Tips/Tricks:

Nutty Seed & Honey Tart

Award-Winning Recipe

Best Turkey Burgers

Best Turkey Burgers? What’s In them?

Mix It Up!

Pistachio Cranberry Scones

Main Ingredients for Pistachio Cranberry Scones

Mini Cheesecakes

Toasted Pecan Shortbread Cookies