Searcy and Clarksville youths lead the way

Seventeen-year-old Emma Ferren of Searcy and 14-year-old Abby Frizzell of Clarksville won top honors for recipes they made for the 2018 Arkansas Dairy Foods Contest. Ferren’s Four-Cheese Tartlets won in the “Party Ideas” competition, while Frizzell’s Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken Sliders earned the top spot in the “Main Dishes” category.

Eight finalists, four in each category, faced off against each other making their recipes in the kitchen at the Arts & Crafts building on the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock, May 30.

Ferren credited her mom for coming up with the recipe. “It’s an original. This recipe tastes great, and the flavors blend very well,” she said. “It can be served in a variety of ways, so they’re as fun to eat as they are to make,” she added.

Emma is the daughter of Aaron and Jodie Ferren. She is a home-schooled student.

Frizzell, who is a member of the Johnson County 4-H, says she began learning how to cook at age 4 by spending time in the kitchen with her grandma. She says her recipe is easy to make and versatile.

“It’s a fast and easy dip that is good for a party or a meal, whether it’s lunch with friends, a tailgate party or a family potluck.” she said.

Abby is the daughter of Jeff and Monica Frizzell.

Second place in the “Main Dishes” category went to Issac Overman of Jasper, third place to Avi Allred of Bella Vista, and fourth place to Truett Brannon of Mountain View.

Second place in the “Party Ideas” category went to Luke Baker of Siloam Springs, third place to Maggie Mason of Bradford, and fourth place to Keylee Harris of Thida.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.

Download photos of the contest winners and contestants.

Clarksville's Abby Frizzell is congratulated for winning top honors in the "Main Dishes" category by dairy contest coordinator Bruce Tencleve of Arkansas Farm Bureau. Click to photo for high-res version.

Searcy's Emma Ferren is congratulated for winning for winning the "Party Ideas" category by dairy contest coordinator Bruce Tencleve of Arkansas Farm Bureau. Click to photo for high-res version.

For more information, contact:

Gregg Patterson
(501) 228-1282
gregg.patterson@arfb.com

or

Rob Anderson
(501) 228-1640
rob.anderson@arfb.com