Anna Schremmer, K-State Research & Extension Family Consumer Science Agent for Phillips-Rooks District #5

It’s hot and dry out, so must be fair time. Baking for the fair was always a challenge. Each time I would bake my favorite food, and it always seemed to fail. Every other time it was perfect, why not for the fair? Not all recipes are appropriate for the fair!!

How do you know if your recipe is safe for the fair? Here are some tips to consider when choosing a food to take to the fair. Ask yourself, does this food require refrigeration? Would you eat this food at room temperature? Will this product hold up to its standard when it is judged or displayed? Is this food perishable? So what is perishable? Perishable is a food high in moisture, protein and has neutral acidity.  Basically it is anything that needs refrigeration. Examples are: Icings and frostings made with raw eggs, Cream cheese frosting, Chocolate Ganache, heavy cream frosting, lemon curd, or any fresh fruit, vegetables, or bacon as a garnish.  Once a fruit is cut it must be refrigerated. Even some whole fruits, like strawberries and raspberries need refrigeration. If the moisture level is high in the filling, the food would need refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth.

Pinterest gives us creative ideas to bake, but are they safe for the fair? Is that Bread, Cake, or Pie baked in a Jar safe? Canning Jars should not be used in the oven.  The manufacturer does not recommend baking in a canning jar. The jar is made to withstand high heat but that is moist high heat.  Oven heat is dry heat and can cause breakage when used in the oven.  Besides that, when the jar is sealed from the heat of the oven it creates anaerobic environment that supports growth of Botulism!

Another popular method seen on Pinterest is cooking in Clay Pots.  Do not use non-glazed Terracotta clay pots, such as flower pots; they are not food grade and may contain lead.  You can, however use pots with food grade glaze labeled for food use.

Okay, so what is safe and non-perishable? As long as the fruit is baked into a product such as blueberry muffins, it is OK for the fair. A high sugar content takes moisture away from bacteria, so fruit pies have a high sugar content that binds up moisture making it unavailable for bacteria to use.

Safe frostings to use are those that use shortening like butter cream or cooked frostings like German Chocolate or commercial (canned) frosting. The use of flavorings like cream cheese flavoring is a great alternative for a cream cheese frosting. Like pies, frostings have a high sugar content which suppresses bacterial growth.  

Happy baking for the fair!

“Knowledge for Life” provided by Phillips-Rooks Extension District #5 and K-State Research and Extension.