Deborah Whitmire of Cary won first place in the Strawberry Dessert Contest for her Chai Strawberry Bread.
Deborah Whitmire of Cary walked away with $100 and bragging rights after her Chai Strawberry Bread earned her first place in the State Farmers Market’s Strawberry Dessert Contest. The bread, served with a strawberry mascarpone spread, won over judges from Our State Magazine, WRAL and Edible Piedmont.
Whitmire was recognized during Strawberry Day at the State Farmers Market May 2. The annual celebration was held at the market’s new event area, located between the N.C. Seafood Restaurant and the gardening section of the Farmers Building. Gray skies and cooler temperatures didn’t stop visitors from enjoying strawberry ice cream from Lumpy’s or fresh strawberries from N.C. farmers. Suzy the Strawberry also was on hand to dance with children and offer hugs to everyone.
North Carolina is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation, so there are plenty of strawberries available at a farmers market, pick-your-own farm or roadside stand near you. The typical growing season lasts until June, but with cold weather this spring, the season is running about 10 days behind normal. Growers are expecting an excellent crop of strawberries in time for Mother’s Day. In fact, a batch of Whitmire’s Chai Strawberry Bread may be the perfect gift for your mom. You can download the recipe for Chai Strawberry Bread with Strawberry Mascarpone Spread here.
Here are some other photos from the event.
Suzy the Strawberry dances with the crowd.
Suzy the Strawberry passes out hugs to guests.
Children enjoy N.C. strawberries and strawberry ice cream during Strawberry Day.
Be sure to check out the State Farmers Market Facebook page for more photos. And, don’t forget to celebrate Strawberry Day at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market May 10 and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market May 17.