Baldwin County students showed off their culinary creativity Sept. 23 during the annual Sweet Potato Cook-Off, celebrating Alabama’s state vegetable with recipes that ranged from classic pies to inventive sweet potato black bean burgers.

The Baldwin County Farmers Federation hosts the fall competition each year to highlight local agriculture and engage students in cooking with locally grown produce. This year’s event, held in Robertsdale, featured 14 middle and high school finalists who advanced from local school contests across the county.

Leading up to the county contest, Family and Consumer Science, Culinary and classroom teachers incorporated lessons on sweet potato nutrition and cooking methods. Local growers Sirmon Farms of Bell Forest and Peturis Farms of Loxley donated and delivered sweet potatoes to participating schools.

At the county level, students prepared and presented their dishes for judges Joe Peturis, Jenny Salac and Bobbie Lane. Baldwin County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H agent assistant Charlotte Roberts, 4-H Extension Agent Adeline Quintana and Farmers Federation volunteer Dawn Hopper assisted contestants as they set up their stations.

Judges evaluated each dish for flavor, texture, presentation, and nutritional value, noting that the decision-making wasn’t easy.

In the Senior Division (grades 9-12), first place went to Kayla Hill, a 10th grader at Elberta High School, for her Sweet Potato Pie. Her Family and Consumer Science teacher is Mimi Everette.

Second place went to Jesse Appleton of Baldwin Preparatory Academy, under the direction of Culinary Chef Veronica Monsegur.

Third place was awarded to Sara Davis-Thompson, also from Baldwin Preparatory Academy, for her Sweet Potato Cheesecake.

Other senior participants included:

• Emma Ewing, Elberta High School, Sweetie Pie Marshmallow Cupcakes
• Riley Robertson, Robertsdale High School, Sweet Potato Casserole
• Tyranny Nava, Robertsdale High School, Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers

In the Junior Division (grades 6-8), Marley Wyatt, a 7th grader at Elberta Middle School, earned first place with her Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars. Her teacher is Kalee Hinson.

Second place went to Shanise Williamson, an 8th grader at Central Baldwin Middle School, for her Sweet Potato Bundt Cake, taught by Mrs. Guilfoyle.

Third place was awarded to Savannah Jones of Fairhope Middle School for Aunt Eckie’s Sweet Potato Casserole with Topping, guided by Mrs. Ottesen.

Other junior competitors included:

• Kate McDaniel, Central Baldwin Middle School, Kate’s Sweet Potato Cake
• Brennan Norris, Foley Middle School, Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Roll
• Eliza Garlock, Elberta Middle School, Sweet Potato Cheesecake
• Copeland Hinote, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
• Fiona St. Clair, Foley Middle School, Lorax Muffins

Organizers say the annual competition encourages youth to explore local agriculture through hands-on cooking and community collaboration.

For more information about the Baldwin County Farmers Federation and local agricultural programs, visit www.AlfaFarmers.org.