I took a [1] day off from the rigors of immigration reform journalism to participate in the almost as stressful[2] California’s Kitchen competition [3] at California State Fair. See my first day results below. Four more days of baking remain.

P.S. I’m disappointed with my second place finish in the “any other frosted cake” division. I had penciled in my “Snowy White Mountain Cupcake” …a gigantic chocolate cupcake with six inches white frosting topped with chocolate shavings…as a sure winner. But such are the uncertainties of competitive baking.
____________________________________________________________________

2005 California State Fair California Kitchen Media Report

_____________-
Unfrosted Cakes
Pound Cake
First Place Guzzardi, Joe Lodi
____________________
Quick Breads
Muffins
First Place Guzzardi, Joe Lodi
_______________________
Speciality Items
Coffee Cakes - Non Refrigerated
Second Place Guzzardi, Joe Lodi
__________________
Quick Breads
Scones
Second Place Guzzardi, Joe Lodi
_____________________
Frosted Cakes
Any Other Frosted Cake
Second Place Guzzardi, Joe Lodi