Connecticut Specialty Food Awards
For a foodie like me, the opportunity to be a judge at the Connecticut Specialty Food Awards was one that I simply could not pass up … and I’m so glad I didn’t! What a delicious morning it was, although not without it’s ironies. I arrived to discover the room encircled with samples of desserts, vinegars, infused oils, chocolates, salsa and much more. Little numbered cups as far as the eye could see!
Every judge was given two categories and asked to evaluate based on taste, uniqueness, quality and … oops! I can’t remember the last component! And as it happens, yours truly, the vegan cookbook author, was asked to judge CHEESES! Quite honestly, they were all incredible, although I’ve been feeling a bit like a curd ever since.
"Say Cheese" with (from left to right) CT Farm Fresh Express's Deb Marsden, NBC Producer Chris Ayotte, me and NBC Anchor Brad Drazen.
My second category to judge was Packaging Design and I was thrilled to see a variety of new products that I thought were eye-catching, unique, green… and CLEAN! Boxed Goodes – a company that sells packaged grains, spice blends and soup mixes – was among my favorites. I especially liked their Sunny Dahl complete with star anise and a reusable and sealable glass canister.
Boxed Goodes | Litchfield, CT
May Cookie Company | West Hartford, CT
I was also thrilled to see these May Cookie Co. box mixes as I remember the first time Susan Nolte came over for tea and brought me a plate of her delicious prepared cookies so that I could sample the new company she was gearing up to start!
The winners should be announced soon and I promise to post them here. In the meantime, what are YOUR favorite locally produced specialties?
Eat Clean, Live Well!
One Comment
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