Yoke’s team earns gingerbread crown

A team of chefs and employees from Yoke’s Fresh Market and architect David Smart combined forces to win this year’s Christ Kitchen Gingerbread Build-off on Sunday.

The thatched roof cottage of Snow White and her seven small companions are featured in the creation. The team worked together to decorate the house during the build-off while the public watched.

This year’s theme was children’s movies. The houses will be on display on the Davenport Hotel mezzanine through Dec. 25.

The winning team included Yoke’s pastry chef Teresa King; pastry sous chef Megan Womack; dessert coordinator Kathy Skomer; vendor Micki Short; merchandiser Elise Shmoorkoff and decorator Mindi Howland, all from Yoke’s Fresh Market, along with architect David Smart of Steven A. Meek Architects.

There were eight other teams of chefs and architects in this year’s competition. Kids will love to see the other houses which feature scenes from movies including “Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie,” “Peter Pan,” “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” “The Night Before Christmas,” “Lady and the Tramp” and “Horton Hears a Who!”

Money raised benefits Christ Kitchen, a ministry and job training program for women living in poverty. Learn more at www.christkitchen.org.

Fair gathering favorite recipes

While you’re working on those holiday menus, party planning and Christmas baking, the North Idaho Fair organizers hope you will think of them.

Culinary Arts Superintendent Louise Bershers would like to include your tried-and-true recipes in the new North Idaho Fair Cookbook. The book will include main and side dishes, cookies, pies, cakes, appetizers and more.

The cookbook will be printed and sold at the fair office and at the fair, which is in late August 2010.

If you’re interested in submitting a recipe or would like more information, contact the fair office at info@northidahofair.com. Or, call Margi Domme, fair coordinator at (208) 765-4969.