16-02-2025
'Chocolate Mousse Cups' takes Best of Show at Death by Chocolate event
MEYERSDALE ― There was plenty of chocolate and fierce competition Friday evening in the annual Death by Chocolate judging and auction at Amity United Church of Christ.
The fundraising event, sponsored by the Friends of the Meyersdale Public Library, raised $2,745 for the library and its programs.
"We had a lovely event with a great turnout from the community. Ernie Holsopple did an excellent job as Jesse Maust's last-minute replacement. We greatly appreciate his donation of time and skills," said Pam Walukas, chairwoman. "As always, we thank the entire community – bakers, buyers, and volunteers – for their extraordinary support of this endeavor."
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Melanie Reckner's "Chocolate Mousse Cups" took the top prize, the Best of Show. They also took first place in the candy category.
"I just want to say thank you to the judges," she said. "I'm happy to do whatever I can for the library."
Second place was a tie between Ken Warnick's "Mom's Chocolate Walnut Fudge" and Grace Oakes' Chocolate Truffles. Tarrah Cox took third place with her Strawberry Cheesecake Delight.
Linda Ringler's "Triple Chocolate Cheesecake" took first place in the cakes and pies judging. Tarrah Cox, with her "Chocolate Strawberry Delight," and Grace Oakes' "Guinness Chocolate Cake" tied for second. Betty Christy won third place with her "A Note to Lost Love" entry.
In the cookies and bars judging, first place went to Fay Hajel with her "Mississippi Mud Bars." Second place went to Grace Oakes with her "Chocolate Cheesecake Bars," and third-place winner Elizabeth Vogel had "Chocolate Ganache Brownies."
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The judges for the event were Wendy Kelly, Jackson Kelly, Leanne Renzi, Lydia Renzi, Janet Younkin, Stuart Younkin, Deb Yutzey, Fred Yutzey and Bonnie Knepper.
Walukas said this is the first time that she can remember having the same person finish in the top three in all three categories – Grace Oakes.
Walukas said anyone looking to get their cake keeper back should be able to pick it up at the library soon. All reusable items were to be returned there.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Chocolate galore at annual Death by Chocolate fundraiser
