By LINDSAY LORENZ, Register Staff Writer
Gainesville Daily Register
Gainesville —
Tucked away in the bookshelves of some Cooke County homes, likely covered in dust by now, is cookbook that was published by the Register decades ago.
Between its pages are some of the county’s best kept secrets: The time tested recipes submitted by area residents.
Locals might remember the 10-year span during the 1970s and ‘80s during which AgriLife hosted a recipe contest. Each fall culinary crafters would come up with their best dishes, submitting an ingredient list and directions for judging.
Former county extension agent Evelyn Yeatts remembers being a taste tester and said hundreds of recipes from across the county were submitted annually into several categories including breads, entrees, desserts and vegetables.
Yeatts said a group of judges would pore over the recipes, eliminating any duplicates in search of the tastiest. When they had narrowed down all submissions but 25 in each category, those whose recipes made the cut were asked to prepare their dishes for a taste test.
“We tasted everything that was brought,” Yeatts said.
Even when dishes didn’t look so appealing, judges would grab their forks in order find a winner - even if it meant a stuffed stomach.
“We quickly learned you only wanted a tiny little bite before you get too full,” Yeatts said.
Those who’s dishes stacked up received prizes for placing first, second or third in their categories.
The winning recipes were then compiled into a cookbook for others to enjoy.
