Residents Included Among 2010

CT Specialty Food Product Awards

The CT Specialty Food Association (CSFA) recently held its ninth Product Awards Competition, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville, where 237 specialty food items from Connecticut-based manufacturers, or products manufactured in Connecticut, were entered into 20 categories with hopes of receiving the prestigious honor of CSFA Product Award Winner 2010. Two Newtown residents and one company were included among those who were recognized for their efforts.

A panel of 30 judges consisting of local media personalities, food writers, and chefs from the CT Department of Agriculture’s Farm-to-Chef Program scored products on overall taste, originality, variety, and flavor. Each judge was assigned to specific categories, responsible for evaluating an average of approximately 30 different products.

Categories included beverages, confections, dairy, gift packs, gluten free, pasta sauces, savory condiments, snack foods, and a dozen others. The wide array of products featured fine chocolates, ice cream sauces, pestos, pickles, hot teas and coffees, flavored seeds, breads, and more.

Gilbert’s Gourmet Goodies, based in Sandy Hook and owned by Liz Gilbert, won first place in the Outstanding Gluten Free division for her Apple Crumb Pie.

Kathie’s Kitchen, LLC, of Newtown, was the third place winner in the Outstanding Confection, Baked Food, Cookie or Cracker division for its Mucha Superseedz.

Also picking up a third place honor was Cookie Wishes, LLC/Les Oliviers, LLC, Newtown, who received the award in the Outstanding Packaging or Design division for its Winton Farms Wildflower Honey.

“It is always amazing to see the diversity and quality of fine foods made by producers right here in Connecticut,” said Tricia Levesque, CSFA Director. “This competition showcases the best of the best in the state. Not only are these products perfect for everyday meals and parties, they also make wonderful gifts. Who wouldn’t be delighted to receive a package filled with such fabulous gourmet foods?

“Purchasing products from Connecticut companies also fuels our local economy and helps create jobs here in our state, which is more important now than ever before,” Ms Levesque continued. “It really is a win-win for everyone – consumers get the best quality foods available and Connecticut companies stay strong.”

Buttered Almond Cream made by the Purple Pear By Tina in Willington took the top honors. Ms Levesque, who did not serve as a judge, explained that the overall winner was chosen by averaging the scores that judges gave for the top winner in each category. Every judge involved in judging the category of jam, honey or sweet topping gave the Buttered Almond Cream “a perfect 10 out of 10” in each of the four criteria, she said. It was cited for its “great flavor, nice texture and crunch” and for being “visually appealing.”

Consumers looking for Connecticut specialty food products can visit www.ctfood.org and ask for them at local markets and grocers. The Connecticut Creative – A General Store in Hartford and Well Baskets in Newtown offer a selection of Connecticut specialty foods and Connecticut-themed gift baskets featuring numerous state-made specialty food items.