Haskins competes in 2025 Dixie National Crepe Cook-Off contest

Special to The Clinton Courier

Lucy Haskins

Lucy Haskins of Clinton, a Hinds County 4-H’er, recently competed in the 2025 Dixie National Crepe Cook-Off contest. She showcased the life skills and leadership skills she has learned in 4-H as she prepared and presented a strawberry creme cheese crepe.

Contest participants had one hour to complete their culinary works of art, and Haskins did it all with a smile.

“I am so proud of Lucy,” said Dr. Rocheryl Ware, Mississippi State University Extension Agent in Hinds County. “She is a great kid with an outgoing personality. This was her first 4-H competition, and she stepped out there with a lot of confidence and belief in her own abilities to try something that she had never done before. We met to discuss the contest details, and to practice everything from new friendships she would gain, fairness of 4-H competitions, fun and family environment, flow of the contest, and focus on getting the job done. She and her mom Heather also practiced at home, so it helped her with timing and interchange of the contest process.”

“I always explain to youth that preparation is key, but it’s still normal to be a little nervous; because, together, it keeps you focused and steadies you enough to be able to master things throughout life.”

The contest was judged on food safety, creativity of the crepe recipe, visual appearance and taste. The recipe requirements were: must contain at least two eggs; must be nutritious; contestant must be able to prepare, cook and clean within sixty minutes, plus have their ingredients listed. The recipe parts must have included the name of the crepe, ingredients, and instructions for preparing.

“Lucy’s response at the end of the contest was exactly what I hoped for”, said Dr. Ware. “She simply told me that she had fun and was excited about competing again next year. Lucy placed third in the contest overall and was so excited at what she achieved. Next year, she is prepared to compete, as well as help train others to do the same.”

The contest was hosted by Maggie Wade (WLBT), and sponsored by the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, Mississippi Poultry, Inc., Mississippi Beef Council, and the Center for 4-H Youth Development at MSU. Crystal Tisme (WAPT) also served as one of the contest judges.

For more information on 4-H, enrolling as youth or volunteering as an adult, or starting a 4-H Club in Hinds County, call the Mississippi State University Extension office in Hinds County at 601-857-3242.