Alice Seuffert, center, stands with her husband, Will Seuffert, and daughter, Stella, holding a blue ribbon for her French Toast Stuffed Pork. The picture was taken after the dish was demonstrated on Twin Cities Live at the Minnesota State Fair. Photo: Alice Seuffert
White Bear Lake Magazine editorial advisory board member Alice Seuffert is a Minnesota State Fair aficionado. For many years, Seuffert participated in special cooking contests at the fair, leading to a blue-ribbon French Toast Stuffed Pork recipe and even a SPAM-sponsored trip to Hawaii. “There’s a fun part of Minnesota culture, of going to the State Fair and seeing so many Minnesotans rally around different things, whether it’s seed art or baking or quilting. You feel a part of a bigger community [by] participating,” she says.
Seuffert’s continued participation in the State Fair cooking competitions led to an opportunity with local TV program Twin Cities Live, where she’s made appearances as a home cook for 17 years. Along with her day job as director of communications at Mahtomedi Public Schools, she teaches cooking classes with Mahtomedi Community Education and leads the Mahtomedi Middle School Cooking Club. “All of that started because I started entering cooking competitions and found that I loved cooking,” Seuffert says.
For people new to entering, Seuffert suggests starting with no more than three categories—and don’t forget to take a picture when your item is displayed. “Tell people, when they go to the fair, where to find it,” she says. “That’s what makes it so much fun, is when you can share that with other people too.”
Rapid-Fire With Alice Seuffert
All-Time Favorite State Fair Food: Blue Cheese & Corn Fritz at The Blue Barn and Honey Ice Cream at the Ag-Hort-Building: “I would eat out of The Blue Barn all day,” Seuffert says.
Hidden Gem: Summit Stage at the Bazaar. “It’s kind of tucked away, and there’s always super great music,” she says.
Must-See Attraction or Event: Try at least one new food each year.
Best State Fair moment: Going down the Giant Slide with the kids and baking with Blue Ribbon Baker (the late) Marjorie Johnson on Twin Cities Live at the fair.
