What Happens To All That Butter?

Flashback to late August 2017 at the Minnesota State Fair. 

If you were one of the thousands of people who stopped by the Dairy Building to see the butter sculptures, you probably asked this question, "What happens to all that butter after the Fair?" 

2017 Butter Sculptures of Princess Kay and the finalists

M.A. Rosko of Fox9 Television has wanted that answer for years, so this week she met up with Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist Margaret Socha, to get an answer to her question. 

Margaret and M.A.

Margaret began by explaining that after sharing 1 pound packages of her sculpture with supportive friends and family, much of the 90 pound butter sculpture was donated to her local FFA chapter for their annual sweet corn feed. The hardest part was making the first cut, and Margaret admits that it may be a long time before the face will be used.

Making the first cut was the hardest.

In the meantime, much of the butter is finding its way into baked items including the cookies that Margaret will be sending to her cousin in the Army, to share with his unit when deployed.

Warm cookies and cold milk. Who can resist?

You can view the "What happens to all that butter" episode at the link below. And Margaret was willing to share her cookie recipe too! So preheat the oven,  pour a  cold  glass of  milk and enjoy the show!

What Happens To Dairy Princess Butter Heads After The Fair? Video

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cup  flour

1  tsp baking soda

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 eggs

1 12 ounce bag chocolate chips

Cream butter. Add  sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pudding mix, and eggs. Mix flour and baking soda and add to above ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake on parchment paper for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

Good-Bye Old Friend

Earlier this week the Minnesota State Fair closed its gates for another year, but my family hopped on the bus several times during its 12 day run to experience the fun and excitement. Come along as I share a few of our adventures.

 

Some days at the Fair begin with a little work, and I use the term "work" very loosely. For several years I have been asked to judge 4-H demonstrations. I love evaluating the 4-Her's presentations, and each year I am amazed at what I learn about their projects!
 After lunch and some chocolate milk refueling, it was off to watch the parade.

  We waved hello to this years Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Jeni Haler.

And yes, dairy farmers occasionally drink something other than milk. We made soda cans with our names on. No fighting over whose can is whose.

Then it was time to play detective. Since my dad passed away one year ago, and he was a huge Fair fan and supporter, our family felt it was appropriate to donate something to the Minnesota State Fair. Ta-da! The Glen Brown memorial bench!

What's a Fair without food? Time to support the hog farmers with some unbelievable maple flavored "bacon on a stick."

Son Michael and I rubbed elbows (almost) with celebrity Garrison Keillor of Praire Home Companion.

When Farmer John and I go to the Fair, part of our time is spent talking dairy. Each year we volunteer in the Moo Booth. With most people two to three generations removed from farming, this is our chance to answer questions that may have been answered by their farming relatives in the past. 

Farmer John and I were also presented with a special Champion for Dairy ribbon in acknowledgment of our 15+ years of volunteering to answer questions and share our love for the farming life we love.

Before heading home to milk our cows, we always check out the...

Our neighbor, and Princess Kay finalist, Gabriella Sorg was having her likeness carved in butter. You can learn about the Butterhead process here.

My family and I are always sad to see the Fair come to a close. Thank goodness we take lots of pictures to help us relive the memories. Until next year...good-bye old friend!

Dear Diary, My State Of A-Fairs

 Friday, August 23, 2013

Dear Diary, 

Today was my first visit, for this year, to the Minnesota State Fair. As in years past, we drove to the local Park-n-Ride to catch the bus to take us to the fair. Since I'm not a fan of driving in traffic, nor do I get a thrill out of driving around the grounds looking for a parking spot, riding the bus is a blessing from above! Today I am joined by daughter Sara. 

Our day began with me judging 4-H demonstrations. I learned about pigeons, rabbits and chickens by some very knowledgeable 4-H'ers. After completing my judging session, it was time to hit our usual first stop, the butter head booth.

Princess Kay is always carved on the first day of the fair, so she is finished.

Each 90 pound block of butter waits in the rotating cooler to become a likeness of one of the Princess Kay finalists.

Princess Kay finalist Alydia Lee visits with a fair-goer while taking a break from the butter booth; dressed comfortably for the 40 degree temps in the booth, but pretty toasty for an 89 degree day outside the cooler.

Our friends Molly and Andy were at the fair too. Their son Finn especially loved the cows in the Miracle Of Birth Center. I believe a trip to our farm is coming soon so Finn can continue honing his skills on mooing.

I never could pass up a photo opportunity with a cow! You may not be able to take a cow home with you, but the good news is milk comes to your grocery store within 2 days of leaving our farm. So leave the cow-care to us, and enjoy the freshness of dairy.

 

 

I'll be back to demonstration judge again on Sunday. Looking forward to new adventures. Until then, good night diary.

Jan