The California Raisin Marketing Board, Fresno recently crowned the winners of the 5th annual America's Best Raisin Bread Contest, the only professional baking competition in the nation.
The six finalists gathered October 12-13 at the American Institute of Baking (AIB) in Manhattan, Kan., to bake a variety of unique breads that starred the naturally sweet and classic baking ingredient: California raisins. Of the 36 finalists, 13 winners were chosen for their innovative and mouth-watering entries, competing in Artisan, Commercial and Breakfast categories. The California Prize was also awarded to recognize an honorable effort.
The winners include:
The California Raisin Marketing Board, Fresno (CRMB) recently crowned the winners of the 5th annual America's Best Raisin Bread Contest, the only professional baking competition in the nation.
Artisan:
*Grand Prize – Courtney Reed of Quincy, Mass., Raisin² Pizza Crust
*Judges' Prize – Philippe Sanchez of Orlando, Fla., Fleur de Raisin
*Idea Prize – Siddharth Mangalore of Chicago, Ill., Curried Whole Wheat Raisin Boule
*Student Prize – Jack Lonetto of Biscayne Park, Fla., Raisin Stuffed Breakfast Challah
Commercial:
*Grand Prize – Pamela Adams of Amherst, Mass., Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread
*Judges' Prize – Suzanne Tatis of Henderson, Nev., Lucky Golden
*Idea Prize – Molly Burke of Plymouth, Minn., Spicy Raisin Gingerbread
*Student Prize – Maria Quinn of Frankfort, Ill., Not Your Grandma's Banana Bread
Breakfast:
*Grand Prize – Olivier Saintemarie of Orlando, Fla., Raisins Florentine Danishes
*Judges' Prize – Joe Falcinelli of Park Ridge, Ill., Raisin Kovigor-Amann
*Idea Prize –Rachel Crampsey of Montclair, N.J., Carrot Raisin Nut Muffin
*Student Prize – Roman Anglin of Orlando, Fla., Sunny Tops
* California Prize: Maurice Kalinsky of Davis, Calif., Birdseed
"The experience level, creativity and craftsmanship of this year's winners are at the highest level I've seen since we started this competition five years ago," says Larry Blagg, senior vice president of marketing for CRMB. "Besides recognizing some of the top bakers in the industry, participation in the finals is done in such a manner as to create a sense of camaraderie among the contestants – they exchange techniques and best practices with one another."
In addition to winning industry honors and national recognition, the winners will receive a tour of California, including the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena and the San Joaquin Valley, home of more than 3,000 raisin growers.
During the competition, each contestant made their products in the AIB kitchens, while judges observed technique, formulations, efficiency and professionalism. Finalists then presented their creations to the panel of judges, who inquired about their formulas, production techniques, as well as the retail or commercial viability of their products.
More is at: http://www.LoveYourRaisins.com