Local 4-H members showed off their culinary and cake decorating skills at the annual District VI 4-H Creative Cooks and Cake Decorating Contests held in McClave last week.  As the Cake Decorators smoothed frosting and created artistic designs, the Creative Cooks contestants told the judge about the nutrition and food safety aspects of their menus.

The 4-Her’s hard work paid off when results were announced.

Creative Cooks blue awards went to Athena Terrones and Shelby Wallace from Baca County, Alexa Nelson and Emily Nelson of Kiowa County and Erin Tempel from Prowers County.  Terrones and Wallace won the “Best of Beef” award from the Southeast Colorado CattleWomen.  In Cake Decorating, Riggin VanCampen from Bent County won red, and Katherine Trosper from Kiowa County won red.  Alyssa Adame of Otero County won a blue award. All qualified for state competition held during the Colorado State Fair.

Cake Decorators were required to decorate a cake using the skills learned in their unit within a set time.  Creative Cooks contestants planned a nutritious menu and the table setting for that menu, then prepared one food from the menu.  While the contests helped members learn project skills, they also learned public speaking and organization skills. 

If your child is interested in joining 4-H or you would like further information on the 4-H program, please contact your local CSU Extension Office; Baca County 719-523-6971, Bent County 719-456-0764, Cheyenne County 719-767-5716, Crowley County 719-267-5243, Kiowa County 719-438-5321, Otero County 719-254-7608, Prowers County 719-336-7734. 4-H is a cooperative effort between CSU Extension and the County.  CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.