Holiday Magic Baking Contest

Faraday's Kitchen Store
1501 RR 620 N., 266-5666

The folks at this popular lake-area culinary-supply wonderland are looking for the best cookie bakers in Austin to enter this holiday contest. Contestants will be judged in three categories: Chocolate Cookies, Decorated Cookies, and Other. While they aren't accepting business entries, the contest is open to all amateur and professional bakers ages 16 and up. Prizes and $25 Faraday's gift certificates will be awarded to the winners in each individual category; there will be a $100 gift certificate for the baker of the cookies judged Best in Show and a $50 gift certificate for the winner of the People's Choice, chosen by store customers. Judges are Anna Ginsberg, food blogger at www.cookiemadness.net and Austin's own winner of the 2006 Pillsbury Bake-Off and numerous other cooking contests; Kelly Casey, executive pastry chef at Hudson's on the Bend; and Sharon O'Quinn, passionate baker and manager at Faraday's. Interested bakers can get complete info and pick up registration forms by dropping into the store or at www.faradayskitchenstore.com. Registration is free, and forms must be turned in by Saturday, Nov. 24. Judging will take place in the store on Saturday, Dec. 1. The public is invited to sample cookies and help select the People's Choice winner between 11am and 3pm. The prizes will be awarded at 4pm, but it isn't necessary to be in attendance to win.