Dubuque Iowa News

News Deadline Extended to July 15 for ‘Cook This!’ Youth Challenge at Iowa State Fair Posted 6 July 2010 Iowa elementary-, middle school- and high school-age foodies have until July 15 to apply for “Cook This!,” a new food and nutrition challenge for youth at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 17, 18 and 19. “We’re extending the deadline because we know there are more kids and teens out there who’d like a challenge in the kitchen at State Fair. But it’s first come, first served, so sign up now” said Katie Ruff, Cook This! coordinator for Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development. Application information is available online here. The challenge takes place Tuesday, Aug. 17, Wednesday, Aug. 18 and Thursday, Aug. 19, in the 4-H Exhibit Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Over three days, 10 teams in each of the three age groups will compete in a multi-part challenge that tests their knowledge of food safety, produce, food preparation and presentation, and proper use of kitchen equipment, Ruff said. In the final part of the challenge, the teams will test their cooking skills as they prepare a particular dish. The teams won’t find out what food they’ll have to prepare until the challenge begins. The high school youth also will be judged on their creativity, Ruff said. They’re allowed to use their own “secret ingredients” in their food preparation challenge. The College of Human Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will provide $500 Iowa State scholarships to members of the winning senior team, Ruff added. Prizes for the junior and intermediate levels are still being determined. The challenge is open to youth who are not 4-H members, but at least one member of each team must be enrolled in 4-H through their ISU Extension county office. Youth may apply in three-member teams or individually; individual applicants selected for the challenge will then be grouped into teams. Cook This! received an ISU Extension Excellence in Extension grant, Ruff said. “We’re also thankful to the Iowa Turkey Federation, Burke Corporation and Tone’s Spices for sponsoring this event.” Ruff said she’s seeking additional sponsors and in-kind donations for Cook This!, as well as volunteers to help with planning, coordination and team mentoring. Volunteers may apply online at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/statefair/cookthis.

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