Presenting the Winners from Our Garden-Fresh Contest

Grand Prize: Farro Salad with Charred Shishito Peppers and Corn

This farro salad can be enjoyed warm or cold. I am lucky that my mom has an amazing garden every summer and gives me all kinds of vegetables to try—I use many of them for this recipe! —Tracy Kaifesh, Laguna Niguel, California

Check out our contest page to learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.

1st Place: Cherry Plum Slab Pie with Walnut Streusel

I love to make desserts with fruit all summer, and this cherry slab pie is wonderful because you can quickly make it for a crowd. The crumbly, nutty streusel is perfect with fruit. You can make your own pastry or use store-bought pie crust. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

2nd Place: Roasted Grape and Sweet Cheese Phyllo Galette

Faced with an abundant grape crop, I created this easy, impressive-looking dessert. I like to add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of coarse sugar to finish it off. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

3rd Place: Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce

This creamy pasta dish feels indulgent without being overly rich, thanks to its heart-healthy avocado pasta sauce! The flavorful avocado and spinach sauce is so smooth and thick, you will think cream is hiding in there. But the guilt-free sauce is dairy-free with a rich texture. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Most Innovative: Spicy Thai-Inspired Noodle Watermelon Salad

Our county is famous for its fabulous Green River melons. While you won’t find this unique and refreshing salad at the county fair, it’s definitely our favorite way to eat watermelon all summer long! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah

Runner-Up: Citrus Cantaloupe Butter

This sweet, chunky cantaloupe butter gets its warm spice flavor from the cinnamon. Orange sections and lime juice give it a citrusy twist. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Runner-Up: Grilled Elote Flatbread

Here’s a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down this summer by grilling this summery, fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon

Runner-Up: Healthy Avocado Pineapple Muffins

These healthy muffins would be a real treat to enjoy at breakfast, at lunch or on a coffee break. They are delicious served warm from the oven or freeze well. The avocado adds an extra-special touch. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Runner-Up: Peachy-Keen Halloumi Fritters

Use up the season’s juicy, sun-ripened peaches in this corn fritter recipe filled with gooey Halloumi cheese and sweet onions. These fritters are decadent and slightly sweet, and homegrown herbs add a fresh taste. The addition of prosciutto makes this recipe feel fancy with little effort. —Chainey Kuykendall, Richmond, Virginia

Runner-Up: Peaches and Cream Whiskey Loaf

I love when fresh peaches are in season! This recipe is sweet from the ripe peaches with a slight tang from the whiskey. This is a perfect after-dinner treat, but it’s just as good with your morning coffee. It also makes a welcome gift for neighbors and friends. —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

Creamy Corn Custard

I make this custard all summer long! When I serve it to guests, I try to make them guess the secret ingredient. Not many guess corn, so it’s a fun surprise. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

Runner-Up: Summer Squash Pound Cake

This golden brown, tender pound cake is the perfect treat to make when you have an abundance of summer squash in your garden. It’s not overly sweet, so it appeals to everyone. —Lisa Brockwell, Necedah, Wisconsin