Finest Cooking Holiday Recipe Contest Winners

Christmas offers much to celebrate – the opportunity to gather with family and enjoy the familiar sights, sounds and smells we have come to cherish. One of the things we most associate with the holidays is food. It seems like everyone has a favorite dish they want to see on the table.

Back in August, we challenged our electric cooperative readers to send us their best original holiday recipes. We received submissions from all across the state and one thing became obvious – our readers (and their families) love dessert! 

A group of judges read and scored each recipe on the basis of originality, appeal and clarity of instructions. We had many dishes that sounded tantalizing but only 10 were selected to be prepared and tasted. Those top 10 were prepared, tasted and scored to determine the winners. 

We think you will find the recipes as amazing as we did! 

First Place went to Gloria Bain, a member of SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, for her tasty, vegan Gloria’s Cheesecake with a raspberry/blueberry topping. She is the recipient of a newly released vegan cookbook along with an Illinois Country Living Finest Cook apron.

Norris Electric Cooperative member, Rita Schackmann, received Second Place for Rita’s Double Feature Pie, a yummy combination of cheesecake and pecan pie. Rita received a copy of the Taste of Home Christmas cookbook, one of our Finest Cook aprons and a copy of the NCM Cookbook, a compilation of favorite recipes from cooperative members across the country.

Our Third Place winner was Corn Belt Energy member, Sue Crutcher, for her Squash Pie. Don’t be fooled by the name, it is a sweet and delicious dessert. Sue also received one of our Finest Cook aprons and a copy of the Taste of Home Christmas cookbook.

Those receiving Honorable Mentions and a copy of the NCM Cookbook were: Dixie Aumann, Shelby Electric Cooperative, Fruit Salad with Apricot Dressing; Susan Ellis, Corn Belt Energy Cooperative,  Smoked Sausage Quiche; Elizabeth Roeske, Rock Energy Cooperative, Cranberry Walnut Fudge; Malena Gillespey, Shelby Electric Cooperative, Papa’s Bread Pudding; and Myra Rubach, Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association for Ooey Gooey Chocolaty Cake. 

Finest Cooking offers tips online

CookingTipsWe are excited to bring you video tips on recipes, cooking tools, baking hints, being creative with the ingredients on hand and more. 

Something you want to see? Send an email to finestcooking@aiec.coop.