With gorgeous weather, Houston’s annual Taste of Christmas competition drew big crowds Saturday to area businesses.
Cooks competed in 24 categories for prizes. Customers at the businesses voted for their favorites.
The event is coordinated by the mother-daughter team of Shari McCallister and Sharon Sillyman.
The activity was one of several held Saturday in downtown Houston to kick off the Christmas season.
The winners:
Buy It Now (cheesecakes): Lisa Dixon, first; and Wendy Sholtz, second.
Community Bank (cheeseballs): Christie Ceplina, first; and Jaden Stell, second.
Consider the Lilies Vintage Floral: Jeri Boyd, first, summer sausage; and Brandi Olson, first, jerky.
D & L Florist (soups): Barbara White, first; and Sandra Lewis, second.
Diane’s Pet Styles (cakes): Trudy Stallcup, first; Brandi Olson, second; Tia Light, Stone Jackson and Karen Kidwell, (tie), third.
Forbes’ Pharmacy/Walgreen’s (dessert/bar cookies): Amy Christeson, first; Amanda Cook, second; and Julie Collins, third.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (salsas): Hank and Jeri Boyd, first.
Houston Herald (candy): Julie Collins, first; and Jo Ann Turnbough, second.
Janstiques (cupcakes): Barbara White, first.
Little House Gifts (dips): Vicki Balangue, first; Elaine Campbell, second; and Karen Kidwell, third.
Neal’s Sporting Goods (cookies): Alyssa Anderson, first; Sue Simpson, second; and Skylar Webb, third.
Orscheln Farm and Home (jams/jellies): Jake and Beth Hutsell, first; Elaine Campbell, second; and Sharon Sillyman, third.
Paws N Claws (salads): Helen Willis, first and second; and Stone Jackson, third.
Pizza Express (banana/spice breads): Amanda Grier, first; Skylar Webb, second; and Sue Simpson, third.
R.J.’s (chili): Mike McIntyre, first; Jeri Boyd, second; Melanie Eleff, third; and George Williams, fourth. Drawing winner: George Williams.
Romines Motor Co. Inc. (pies): Jamie Woodmansee, first; Sandra Lewis, second; and Jane Minter, third.
Russell Cellular (brownies): Stone Jackson, first. Drawing winner: Tracy Weaver.
St. Mark’s Catholic Church (fudge): Trudy Stallcup, first.
Serenity Wellness Studio (quiche/egg casseroles): Betty Furrer, first; Kelly Tarrants, second; and Alice Weakly, third.
Tax Matters (party mix): Amber Dailing.
The Animal Shelter of Texas County (dog treats): Jeri Boyd, first; Karena Hale, second; and Terri Phelps, third.
Texas County Food Pantry (wings and appetizers): Jeri Boyd, first.
Two Old Gals (cinnamon rolls): Sheila Hollenbeck.
Houston Visitors Center (muffins): Vicki Balangue, first; Barbara Romines, second; and Elaine Campbell, third.