Nineteen Houston businesses participated in Saturday’s “Taste of Christmas” event sponsored by the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce.
The competition features cooks submitting dishes in various categories, and participants sampling and voting for their favorites.
Among the entrants were persons from Mississippi and Ozark, who were visiting relatives in the area. Despite rainy weather, businesses reported from 80 to 200 “tasters” stopping by to participate.
Businesses, winning entries, food item and prizes:
•Holy Cross Lutheran Church, fudge: first, Cassie Carter, mint, $30 Walmart gift card; second, Ellen Allen, chocolate, $20 Walmart gift card; third, Patsy Saxton, mint chocolate, $10 Walmart gift card.
•Memories and Dreams, banana and spice bread: Krysten Collins, banana nut, gift bag with gift certificate.
•Forbes Pharmacy, bar cookies: first, Stone Jackson, chocolate cherry cheese bars, $20 gift card; second, Julie Collins, chocolate chip brownie, $15 gift card; third, Amy Christeson, brownie Butterfinger blast bars, $10 gift card.
•Community Bank N.A., cheese balls: first, Christy Ceplina, Ghirardelli gift basket; second, Cassie Carter, sprinkle dessert, soup set; third, Ashley Sudheimer, cheddar cheese, hot cocoa gift set.
•Romines Motor Co. Inc., pies: first, Jamie Woodmansee, raspberry cream, The Works gift card and five Big Red Car Wash tokens; second, Paula Minter, blueberry banana, five Big Red tokens; Jamie Woodmansee, Snickers, two Big Red Car Wash tokens.
•Diane’s Pet Styles, cakes: Justin Jones, pumpkin and spice and everything nice, $20 gift card.
Houston Herald, candy: first, Kandy Reiners, candy puffs, $30.
•Texas County Food Pantry, appetizers: first, Ashley Sudheimer, spinach/artichoke dip, $25 Miller’s Grill gift card; second, Colby Anderson, mustard wings, $15 Forbes/Walgreen’s gift card; third, Vicki Ballangue, lady bug appetizer, $10 Forbes/Walgreen’s gift card.
•Little House Gifts, dips: first, Cassie Carter, bacon lovin’, six piece kitchen tool set from Joseph and Joseph; second, Evan Lewis, farmers market, tokens to Splish Splash Car Wash; third, Brandi Olson, apple, $25 gift card.
•Consider the Lilies Vintage Floral, cheesecakes: first, Linda Woodmansee, pumpkin chiffon, $25 gift card; second, Christa Hinkle, sopapilla, $20 gift card; third, Celina Castleman, triple berry twist, $15 gift card.
•D & L Florist, soups: first, Krysten Collins, cheddar/ham/potato, $30 gift card; second, Ashley Sudheimer, broccoli cheese, $20 gift card; third, Jerry Jackson, cowboy, $10 gift card; fourth, Patsy Sexton, vegetable, $10 gift card.
•Orscheln Farm and Home, jerky: first, Joni Sillyman, deer, $25 gift card; second, Mark Klatt, venison, $20 gift card; Brandi Olson, $20 gift card.
•Houston Do-It Center, cookies: first, Stone Jackson, elf snax, radio controlled helicopter and candle warmer; second, Joni Sillyman, oatmeal raisin, candle; third, Alyssa Anderson, snowman cookies, candle.
•Paws N Claws, salads: first, Helen Willis, taco salad, $30 gift card; second, Helen Willis, coleslaw, $20 gift card; third, Viki Naranchich, pea salad, $10 gift card.
Houston Visitors Center, muffins: first, Amy Christenson, caramel pumpkin, $100 Vivid Impressions gift card; second, Dana McCloud, caramel apple buttermilk, $50 Serenity Wellness gift card; third, Elaine Campbell, blueberry, $25 Brown’s Shoe Store/French Hen gift card.
•Janstiques, yeast breads: Joni Sillyman, $50 gift card.
Aaron’s, brownies: first, Julie Collins, turtle, Kodak Easy Share camera; second, Jamie Woodmansee, brownies, 1500 thread Egyptian sheets; third, Brad Dyer, brownie pizza, Si talking doll.
•The Animal Shelter of Texas County, dog treats: first, Jeri Boyd, Bear’s favorite dog treats, $50 Bark Plaza gift card; second, Tracey Hinton, yummy dog treats, $20 Bark Plaza gift card.
•St. Mark’s Catholic Church, chocolate desserts: first, Celinda Castleman, $20 Walmart gift card; second, Joyce Dunigan; and third, Allie Benoist.