In the artisan category, the grand prize formulation was created by Larry Lobe, Dawn Food Products, Phoenix, for his Sicilian Raisin Bread. Taking top honors in the commercial category was Ronald Guerrero, Caravan Ingredients, Lenexa, Kan., for his Natural Swirl Raisin Bread with 50% More Raisins. Of the student competitors, Courtney Lipkins of Providence, R.I. and student at Johnson & Wales University, took home the artisan grand prize for her Honey Nut Raisin Bread and Liana Ycikson, of Miami, Fla., also a student at Johnson & Wales University, took home the commercial grand prize for her Cardamom Pecan Raisin Bread.
Of the 30 finalists, a total of 12 winners were chosen to participate in an all-expense paid visit to California to experience the growing areas and production of California Raisins, and enjoy California cuisine and wines at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena.
Additional prize winners in the artisan category, include:
- Judges prize: Co-winners Mitch Stamm, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I., for his California Gold Rush Bread and Charles Niedermyer, Pennsylvania College of Technology, State College, Pa., for his Dueling Raisins Bread
- Ideas prize: Co-winners Luminita Cirstea, Kendall College, Phoenix, for her Golden Gate Bread and Philippe Sanchez, Marriott International, Orlando, Fla., for his Raisin Walnut Blue Cheese Sour Dough Pave
Additional prize winners in the commercial category, include:
- Judges prize: Co-winners Coila Farrell, Derby Dining Center, Housing & Dining Services at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., for her Golden Harvest Raisin Bread with Toasted Walnuts and Eric Spelger, Caravan Ingredients, Lenexa, Kan., for his All Natural, 100% Whole Wheat Raisin Bread
- Ideas Prize: Co-winners Jerome Davis, Cargill Integrated Bakery Resources, Lake Oswego, Ore., for his Oregon Trail Cinnamon Vanilla Raisin Bread and Feng Xie, Caravan Ingredients, Lenexa, Kan., for her Bubble Raisin Bread
“The California Raisin Marketing Board believes it is important for the baking world to have this type of event to showcase the skill and passion of the working baker,” said Larry Blagg, senior vice president of marketing, California Raisin Marketing Board. “Our contest is aimed at discovering the best and most creative California Raisin Breads and in our second year of the competition I continue to be astounded with the innovation and quality of the products created by these professional and student bakers.”
For the press release and additional details about this year’s contest, please click here.
California Raisins is in search for the next Baking Superstar. Check back in December for the 2010 entry form. The third annual America’s Best Raisin Bread Contest will kick off in January of 2010, with all entries received no later than August 14th, 2010.
Sicilian Raisin Bread
—created by Larry Lobe, Dawn Food Products, Phoenix
Natural Swirl Raisin Bread with 50% More Raisins
—created by Ronald Guerrero, Caravan Ingredients, Lenexa, Kan.
On left, Grand Prize Winner, artisan category, Larry Lobe, Dawn Food Products along with Judge Cyril Hitz.
On right, Grand Prize Winner, commercial category, Ronald Guerrero, Caravan Ingredients; on left, Judges Award Winner Eric Spelger, Caravan Ingredients