Source:   NCDA&CS, 7/2/15

Dessert makers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to enter the State Farmers Market’s Peach Dessert Contest Thursday, July 9. Winners will be announced during the market’s annual Peach Day celebration.

“It seems that every family has a unique and tasty way of preparing sweet, tree-ripened North Carolina peaches,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We hope everyone in the Raleigh area will pick up some fresh peaches this week and enter their family’s recipe in the contest.”

All desserts must include at least two cups of N.C. peaches, and peaches should be one of the main ingredients. Recipes do not have to be original, but all entries must be homemade. Each entry should include the recipe, name of contestant, address and telephone number. Entries containing raw eggs will not be judged.

Entries can be dropped off at the State Farmers Market office between 8 and 10 a.m. the day of the event. Judging will be based on flavor, the creative use of peaches, quality of the dessert and overall appearance. Prize money will be awarded for the top three desserts: $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.

Winners will be announced at noon during Peach Day at the market’s event area, located between the Farmers Building and the N.C. Seafood Restaurant. Those not entering the contest can still participate in the festivities by enjoying free samples of peach ice cream and a visit from the N.C. Peach Queen from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Peach Day is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the State Farmers Market, the N.C. Peach Growers Society and the N.C. Dairy Industry Promotion Committee.

More information about Peach Day and the dessert contest rules are available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.