What do you get when you bring together thirty-seven of America’s top bakers, put them in a room together with a variety of baking ingredients, as well as 250 lbs. of California Raisins? Well, a whole lot of mouth-watering goodness!
This past weekend, that’s exactly what happened as thirty-seven finalists in America’s Best Raisin Bread Contest – the only professional baking contest in the U.S. – gathered in Manhattan, KS at the American Institute of Baking (AIB) test kitchens to convince judges that their raisin bread products should win. From breads to pastries to pretzels, their innovation and creativity produced baked goods both amazing to behold and delicious to taste.
These accomplished bakers competed in four categories – Artisan, Commercial, Breakfast and Student – and the competition was stiff. There were some tense moments as bakers pulled their baked goods from the industrial ovens and determined which of their six samples they’d present to the judges. And with all of the baking brilliance, the atmosphere could have been tense, but the camaraderie among the bakers created a friendly atmosphere.
Of the thirty-seven finalists, twelve bakers garnered top prizes for their innovative baking. The competition among bakers was so impressive, though, that the judges urged us to award an additional prize – The California Prize – in each of three categories.
Congratulations to all our finalists and winners. We’re looking forward to next year’s competition when the 5th Annual America’s Best Raisin Bread Contest kicks-off in January 2012!
