A Win-Win Situation

I am always so excited and surprised by the diversity and quality of fine foods made by folks right here in Connecticut.

Last week the CT Specialty Food Assoc. held it's 9th Product Awards Competition. There were 237 specialty food items from CT-based producers. Categories ranged from dairy to beverages to confections to snack foods. The entries were judged by a 30-person panel that included chefs from the CT Dept. of Ag's Farm To Chef Program.

Sure it's a win for the producers but I can't help thinking it's a win for us eaters too.

A few of my favorites:

• Outstanding Bread: Wave Hill Breads placed 2nd & 3rd for it's 3 Grain Pain du Campagne & 3 Grain Petit Epi.
• Outstanding Dairy: Cato Corner Farm placed 1st, 2nd & 3rd for it's Black Ledge Blue Cheese, Brigid's Abbey Cheese & Bloomsday Cheese.
• Outstanding Product Line: Boxed Goodes tied for 1st for it's line of herbs, rice, snacks & soups followed by The Olive Oil Factory in 2nd for it's flavored oils.

Here's a complete list of all the winners. I hope to sample it all.

Mmm...I'm hungry!