4-H cookbook marks Murray County Fair's centennial
By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 07/29/2010 9:46 AM
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SLAYTON, Minn. — Food and county fairs are a natural pair.
That's why Murray County 4-H decided to compile a cookbook in celebration of their fair's 100th anniversary.
The Murray County Fair runs Aug. 17-21 in Slayton.
"4-H Favorites: Murray County 4-H Cookbook" has more than 400 recipes in 240 pages.
"Food exhibits are a big part of the fair and it's one of the things people go to the fair for, to eat, and we thought it would be fun to include recipes people used as fair exhibits," said Nancy Pieske, office manager at the Murray County Extension office.
More than 150 4-H members, family members, alumni and supporters from local communities contributed recipes. Their names are published with their entries. Some alumni entries include which club they belonged to and the years they were members.
Recipe categories are appetizers and beverages, soups and salads, vegetables and side dishes, main dishes, breads and rolls, desserts, cookies and candy plus a miscellaneous section.
"It contains some of the food stand recipes as well as some old family favorites and some newer style cooking recipes, like the Mexican dishes and things like that. It has quite a variety," said Pieske.
Any money made from selling the books will be used for new menu signs in the 4-H food stand at the fair.
The publication also includes some 4-H history. There is a picture of the 1923 Girls Club Canning Team, excerpts from a 1939 newsletter in which 4-H members talk about cake and bread baking, a list of Extension office staff through the years and 4-H facts.
The books cost $8 each and are available before and after the fair at the Murray County Extension office in Slayton. They have a plastic, comb binding and a laminated cover.
More than 100 copies have already been sold out of the 440 that was originally ordered. They've been on sale for three weeks.
"We had people come in and get 10 at a time," said Pieske.
During the fair, the books will be sold in the 4-H Exhibit Hall. Buyers at the fair's 4-H auction will receive free copies.
The Extension staff will order more if needed.Contact their office for mail orders, which include a $3 shipping fee.
"If (people) have any connection to Murray County 4-H, I think they would find it interesting to see who submitted recipes...And I think 4-H is known for good food," said Pieske.