Houston’s annual Taste of Christmas competition attracted several entries and lots of tasters on Saturday, Nov. 27. Sponsored by the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, the contest involves customers picking their favorite food items.
With a menu that ranged from chili to candy, those stopping by participating businesses sampled the goodies and voted for their favorite. Winners received a variety of prizes from merchants.
Here is a list of winners: D & L Florist, salsa: First, Delbert Campbell; second, Randy Walker; third, Lynn Lewis.
Forbes’ Pharmacy, fudge: First, Charles Beavers, Reese’s fudge; second, Leigh Wright, cappuccino fudge; third, Deedra Campbell, chocolate walnut fudge.
Neal’s Sporting Goods, cookies: First, Lindsey Campbell, chunky monkey; second, Paula Minter, cinnamon spice; third, Billie Jean Phillips, chocolate chip.
Houston Herald, candy: First, Genevieve Campise; second, Justin Jones; third, Billie Jean Phillips.
Moose Coffee and Gifts, brownies: First, Mary Jungbluth, turtle brownies; second, Sterling Jackson, double chocolate brownies; third, Paula Minter, toffee almond brownies.
First National Bank, appetizers: First, Dara Jackson, bacon wraps; second, Jennifer Ice, Oreo balls.
Hardee’s, roll-ups: First, Justin James; second, Sharon Sillyman.
VIP Properties, cheese balls: First, Sam Bowers, silly dilly cheese ball; second, Tanya Miller, cheese ball; third, Jeri Boyd, cheese ball.
Orscheln Farm and Home, jams and jellies: First, Amy Cole, jams and jellies; second, Sam Bowers, jams and jellies; third, Elaine Campbell, apple butter.
Houston Dollar Shoppe, jerky and summer sausage: First, A.J. Morton and Dillon; second, Lana Krambeck.
Houston Florist, cakes: First, Betty Cantrell, pumpkin butter cake; second, Sam Bowers, caroling carrot cake; third, Marilyn Cantrell, bread pudding cake.
Romines Motor Co., dips: First, Paula Minter; second, Marilynn Cantrell; third, Lana Krambeck.
JAZ Trophies, trail mix: First, Sue Kautzman, sweet and spicy nuts; second, Dara Jackson, sweet and salty mix; third, Christa Hinkle, nuts trail mix.
Animal Shelter of Texas County, homemade dog treats: First, Patty Cheek; second, Jan Squires; third, Lori Cody.
Texas County Veterinary, soups: First, Margeret Keeney, potato soup; second, unknown; third, Kerry Lewis, soup.
Quick Cash, drop/no bake cookies: First, Sam Bowers, reindeer dumplings; second, Mary Jungbluth, date log.
Dollar General Store, cheesecake: First, Jeri Boyd, Oreo cheesecake; second, Shari Sillyman, cherry cheesecake; third, Joanne Jones, pineapple cheesecake.
Crowley’s HomeWorks, decorated cookies and cupcakes: First, Jeri Boyd, cupcake wreath; second, Jeri Boyd, cookies/cupcakes.
Raspberry Leopard, muffins: First, Jeri Boyd, apple cinnamon; second, Lindsey Campbell, snow capped muffins.
H & K Flea Market, quick breads: First, Lana Krambeck, apple raisin; second, Lana Krambeck, pumpkin roll.
Enchanted Cottage Quilts, cinnamon rolls: First, Mary Jungbluth, cinnamon rolls; second, Dara Jackson, cinnamon rolls.
Counter Tops LLC, pies: First, Teresa Conley, mocha caramel cashew pie; second, Marilynn Cantrell, coconut cream pie; third, Shari McCallister, apple crumb pie.