Tasty treats judged Thursday

At left, Stella Fast shares two treats with her dad, Jeremy Fast. Evidently, Stella thought the judges had pretty good taste in what tastes good. She and Jeremy are sampling the second-place winning ice cream, a chocolate chocolate chip concoction entered by Russ Conroy; and the Cookies and Cream Cake that won second place for Linda Hendrix. Jeremy said that for Stella, "It's all about the chocolate. The more chocolate, the better." Lynn A. Wade/Daily Mail

lThe second annual Triple Treat Tournament hosted by the Nevada/Vernon County Area Chamber of Commerce drew a larger crowd of spectators this year than the inaugural event held last year, and a similar number of entries.

Held on the courthouse lawn in Nevada Thursday evening, the event showcased the talent of area cooks, including one entry from as far as Topeka, Kan., and their skill in making pies, cakes and ice cream. A special pecan category was added this year, thanks to the efforts of Drew Kimmell and the sponsorship of the Missouri Nut Growers Association.

Three judges were assigned to each category, and each group waited anxiously for the first entries; pie and cake judges faced the most daunting tasks because there were more entries in those categories. All judges seemed to agree that it was a difficult task. Nevada Mayor Jayne Novak said, "They're all so good."

Steve Russ, pecan category judge, takes a full-flavor mouthful.

All entries were judged on a point system for appearance and taste, then judges in each category conferred until coming to a consensus on the top three in each category except the new pecan category, which only had two entries, both pies. Entries were served on identical plates and were identified to judges only by number to ensure fairness.

Judges took their collective task seriously, mulling over the flavor of each, eyeing entries carefully, sometimes sniffing them and noting the results on forms.

Finally, the results came in. First announced were the winners in the pecan category. Ann Jones took the top prize with her Jack Daniels Pecan Pie; Kyla Moorhouse took second with her Pecan Praline Apple Pie. Jones noted that she'd just taken her pie out of the oven late Thursday afternoon, and it was still warm when she arrived at the competition.

The next category announced was ice cream. Emily Yoder took first place with her chocolate-banana ice cream; and Russ Conroy walked away with second- and first-place honors for his chocolate chocolate chip and vanilla recipes, respectively.

Cake judging results came next, with Twila Transue's Berry Cream Torte taking top honors. Second place was Linda Hendrix' Cookies and Cream Cake, and third place went to Lori Thompson for her Lemon Cream Cake.

The pie competition results rounded out the event, with Becky Gazaway's Triple Berry Pie taking first place. Gazaway also won last year's pie category. and said now she has a new challenge -- coming up with something that tops this year's entry.

Debbie McGarra's peanut butter pie took second plance, and Glenda Leftwich of Topeka, Kan., earned third place.

First prize in each category was $100 worth of Chamber Bucks, second prize is $75 worth of Chamber Bucks and third prize is $50 worth of Chamber Bucks. Only one prize of $100 was awarded in the pecan category.

Above, winners of the second annual Nevada/Vernon County Area Triple Treat Tournament gather with their prizes on the courthouse lawn Thursday evening, after judging. Front row, Becky Gazaway, first place, pies; Kyla Moorhouse, second place, pecans; Linda Hendrix, second place, cakes; Debbie McGarra, second place, pies; and Twila Transue, first place, cakes; Back row: Russ Conroy, second and third place, Ice cream; Emily Yoder, first place, ice cream; Ann Jones, first place, pecans; and Lori Thompson, third place, cakes. Not pictured: Glenda Leftwich, third place, pies. First prize in each category was $100 worth of Chamber Bucks, second prize is $75 worth of Chamber Bucks and third prize is $50 worth of Chamber Bucks. Only one prize of $100 was awarded in the pecan category.

After the judging was completed, spectators had the opportunity to sample the entries for a fee of $1 per portion.

At left, Ice cream judges Lynn Ewing II and Dennis Painter go over the procedure to be used in judging as the first dishes arrive to be examined and tasted.