National Festival of Breads

Decor reflected Kansas products

   

  "How can a nation be great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?" If this quote by Julia Childs is true, the National Festival of Breads last week proved we are a great nation! This contest, the nation's only amateur bread-baking competition, was sponsored by Kansas Wheat Commission, Fleischmann's Yeast, and King Arthur Flour Company and held in Manhattan. Eight finalists selected from over 500 entries came to the Little Apple from kitchens across the U.S.
   

Many thanks to the sponsors

The wheat field south of Salina was producing well

 Besides bringing bakers together to show their talents, the contest also shows bakers where the ingredients for their products come from. Activities included a wheat field tour with the opportunity to ride a combine, lunch on the farm in the implement shed, visit to a flour mill and a drive through of a grain elevator.
   

Lunch and talk with the wheat farmer

Brookville chicken!

a close look at wheat 

As a Kansas Wheat Commission Spokesperson, I got to assist a contestant and see up close what the contest is about. It was a wonderful experience! I came home with inspiration and recipes for several baking days and blogs to share.










The whole event was very well organized and showcased our state and agriculture products to the utmost.

A bake sale and auction of some of the finalists' baked products was held to benefit No Kid Hungry, an effort to eradicate childhood hunger. Over $2300 was raised.

Mr. & Mrs. Slice were visitors

 Besides eight finalists baking, exhibits, and baking demonstrations, I got to meet many new baking friends and visit with many friends from Extension days! One of the contestants summed up the spirit of baking in a few words - "it is meant to be shared". This year's Festival of Breads was a wonderful sharing experience.