Illinois State Fair launches breakfast-stick contest

Sunday, August 19, 2007 10:10 PM CDT

By Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD — An offbeat culinary contest has joined more traditional competitions at the Illinois State Fair: It’s the battle to make the best “Breakfast on a Stick.’’

The new competition, sponsored by the state’s agriculture department and the American Egg Board, requires that breakfast food appears on a stick. Ingredients must include at least one egg.

The inaugural competition awarded two first places on Saturday, one to Beverly Cutler’s Sensational Sunrise Dippers — sausage, egg and cheese wrapped in a biscuit with a side of gravy; and one to Anthony Karas’ Bacon-Wrapped Savory Buttermilk Crepes.

The junior division was won by Rachael Eden, who created an Asian-themed breakfast stick with eggs, curry, bean sprouts and snow peas in a wonton wrapper.

The entries were judged according to taste, appearance, creativity and ease of preparation, said Karen Fraase, a marketing representative for the department of agriculture.

Cutler’s stick dish will be distributed at the Illinois Department of Agriculture tent during the 2008 fair, while Karas’ entry will be offered to local restaurants.