Blue Ribbon Recipes

Featuring the best of the best State Fair of Texas winners over the past decade, this year’s cookbook celebrates the recipes that took home the top prize in their category. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, the Best of Show Cookbook will become your go-to place for exciting new recipes. bigtex.com

Pumpkin Bacon Soup | Serves 4

Charles Chambers – Lubbock, Texas,  1st Place – Guess What’s Cooking, 2011

INGREDIENTS

1 sm. pie pumpkin (2 c.)

1 c. squash

2 c. chicken broth

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. hickory smoke salt

4 slices bacon

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

1 c. onion, chopped

1 c. red bell pepper, chopped

1 sprig rosemary

1/2 c. heavy cream

DIRECTIONS Remove top from pumpkin, remove seeds and scrape out 2 cups pumpkin.  Cook pumpkin and squash in broth and spices and set aside. Cut bacon into pieces and fry until crisp, drain and set aside, reserving grease. Saute vegetables and rosemary in bacon grease until tender. Combine all vegetables, broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream in food processor and pulse until smooth. Add most of bacon after pureeing. Pour into hollowed out pumpkin to serve. Garnish with remaining bacon and fresh mint. Serve warm or cold.