FROM STAFF REPORTS

VIENNA — Dooly County cooks went “nuts” Saturday as they prepared dessert dishes for a competition sponsored by RBC Bank, the Georgia Humanities Council and Vienna Historic Preservation Society.

Each of the 32 entries in the contest had to have pecans or peanuts as an ingredient. When the judges had completed their taste testing, Jo Cape was declared the grand prize winner with her Carrot Cake. She won a cash prize of $100.

Ms. Cape also took the top prize in the cake category. Other first places went to Diane Couch with Different Pecan Pie; Mildred Keaton with Pecan Oatmeal Cookies and Judy Daniels with Peanut Brittle. These ladies received $50 prizes.

Taking second place and $20 in cash were Joyce Arnold with her Italian Cream Cake; Peggy Bellew with Pecan Pie; Ms. Couch with Brownie Brittle and Ms. Cape with Butterscotch Candy.

Third prize and $15 cash awards went to Clara Dunbar with her Strawberry Cake; June Rexroat with Peanut Butter Pie; and Ms. Arnold with Crispy Pecan Shortbread and Pecan Pralines.

Serving as judges for the event were Danny Williams, a professional chef from Newnan; Arden Williams from the Georgia Humanities Council; local restaurant owners Hut and Micki Arthur and community tasters Martha Chives, Nancy Dillard, Deborah Heckwolf and George Maddox.

They were asked to choose the winners based on three criteria - flavor, texture and appearance.