Edible Book Fest of Spring 2006 a Great Success!

Sometimes we have to eat our words, but for the participants and guests at the first annual Edible Books Fest of the Friends of Beeghly Library at Heidelberg College, that was a tasty treat. The fundraising event was held Sunday March 26, 2006 in the Great Hall. Participants brought and shared their edible books, delicious concoctions that reminded them of a book they had read. One clever dish was a bookworm featuring an apple as the head, raisins as eyes and antennae, and crackers held together by peanut butter for the body. One punster created a salad called The Rise and Fall of the Romaine Empire. And Chicken Soup for the Soul pleased our palates as well as our inner selves.

Deb Roszman of Aramark Campus Dining Service with her Bookworm Snack

Pun intended

Mary Beth Aman and Teresa Hoschar of Bob Evans Farm Restaurant
With their Chicken Soup for the Soul
Inspired by the book of the same title by Jack Canfield

The edible books were set out for all to see while the judges looked them over. Then the attendees were invited to make a meal of the books. After the meal, judges compared notes on eye appeal and tastiness of all thirty entries. The judges were Dr. Dominic Dottavio, President of the College; Dr. Lisette Dottavio, Assistant Professor of Accounting; Dennis Schultice, Director of Aramark Campus Dining Service; and Jeff Whisler of Bob Evans Farm Restaurant. They awarded the blue ribbon for the most delicious edible book to Katy McGrath and Amy Sutherland for their lovely chocolate cake based on the book First Snow by Bernette Ford and Sebastien Braun.

Blue Ribbon Prize for Most Delicious Entry

The blue ribbon award for most whimsical entry went to Bobbie Bishop for her Very Hungry Caterpillar, cleverly constructed from fruits and based on the book of the same title by Eric Carle.

Blue Ribbon Prize for Most Whimsical Entry

The blue ribbon award for the most creative entry was given to Brenda Baker for her savory ratatouille, inspired by the book Rat by Jan Cheripko.

Blue Ribbon Prize for Most Creative Entry

The blue ribbon award for most artistic creation went to Karen Shaffer for her clever dessert sculpture based on the book My Very First Book of Shapes by Eric Carle.

Blue Ribbon Prize for Most Artistic Entry

In addition to a blue ribbon certificate, each prizewinner also received a generous prize donated by a local merchant.

Ten other guests went home with door prizes provided by local restaurants, food stores and merchants in the form of gift certificates or merchandise. Businesses that provided prizes or sponsored tables were: Aramark Campus Dining, Bob Evans Farm Restaurant, Carmella's Ristorante at Camden Falls, Ballreich Brothers, East of Chicago Pizza, Golden Crown Restaurant, Happy Garden Restaurant, Heidelberg College Bookstore, Heritage IGA, Java Rave, Molyet's Farm Market, Paper and Ink Book Shop, Pioneer Mill Restaurant, The Pit Stop, T.J. Willie's Restaurant, Varsity Barber Shop, and XCaret Mexican Restaurant.

Bobbie Bishop receives her Blue Ribbon Award from judges Dr. Lisette Dottavio, Jeff Whisler and MC Bob Berg

Brenda Baker wins a prize, awarded by judge Dr. Lisette Dottavio, judge Jeff Whisler and MC Bob Berg

The planning committee was pleased to note that 60 people attended the event and that they raised $400 for the Friends of Beeghly Library at Heidelberg to use in support of the Library and its programs.

Plan to attend the next Edible Books Fest on Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Great Hall! Bring your own edible book and enjoy others. Want some ideas? Take a look at the photos from March 26, 2006.