The Britton Holiday Fair got a delicious upgrade this year with its first-ever baking contest. Open to both kids and adults, the event welcomed an array of festive treats, from candies to cookies and beyond. Fair organizer Tari Heitmann, who spearheaded the idea, said participation was modest for this inaugural year but expressed optimism about its future growth.
A panel of esteemed judges, including renowned local bakers, seasoned cooks, and the Britton Area Snow Queens, brought both expertise and flair to the baking contest. Tasked with sampling an array of mouthwatering treats, they faced the sweet challenge of selecting the winners. When the powdered sugar settled, Toni Mattson claimed victory in the adult division with her indulgent Chocolate Crazy Cake topped with Peppermint Buttercream Icing. In the youth category, 11-year-old Olivia Effling impressed with her festive White Peppermint Fudge, earning her top honors.
The two victors were generous enough to share their winning recipes so others could try their hand at the delightful holiday treats.
Mattson’s Winning Recipe-
Chocolate Crazy Cake with Peppermint Buttercream Icing
Cake:
3c. flour
2 c. sugar
1/3 c. cocoa
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. water (with coffee added)
Stir dry ingredients, add liquids & stir. Bake @ 325 for 40-45 minutes
Icing:
2 sticks softened butter
3 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. peppermint extract
3-5 Tbsp. heavy cream
Whip butter & other ingredients until correct consistency. Frost Cake
Olivia’s Winning Recipe-
White Peppermint Fudge
Ingredients:
3 c. white chocolate chips
1- 14oz. sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
5 crushed candy canes
Dump chocolate chips in with condensed milk and melt for 1 minute in microwave stir. Stir in peppermint extract, stir in 3/4 of the candy canes, then pour in 8x8 parchment lined pan. Top with the rest of the candies. Chill then cut. Enjoy!
