Dairy diva shares recipes
OAKLAND TWP — Whether its public speaking in a tiara and gown or caring for milk cows in the family barn, Butler High School senior Cara Stephenson's has centered her life around the dairy industry
Crowned Butler County's Dairy Princess in May Stephenson has spent the past several months sharing her knowledge and interest in dairy nutrition, industry facts and recipes with anyone willing to listen.
Chosen for the role based on her poise and knowledge of the dairy industry, the county's dairy princess is charged with promoting the industry to the community.
Crowned May 20, Stephenson had completed nearly 60 speaking engagements by August.
"I like going out and speaking to people,"she said.
Speaking engagements are just one of several ways dairy princesses across the state earn incentive points.
Through speaking at schools and clubs, making public appearances and serving in retail promotions, the princesses earn points toward monetary awards.
Winners are also required to keep a scrapbook of their efforts, which were judged during the state-level dairy princess competition held last month in Harrisburg. Though she wouldn't describe herself as crafty, Stephenson took home the award for her scrapbook at the state competition.
In addition to a newfound craft skill, Stephenson's role has taken her to another place she has never worked before — the kitchen.
"We have recipe booklets we give out, and we also pick some of our favorite recipes to share," she said, noting that her kitchen experience is limited to macaroni and cheese.
For the recent Butler County Farm Show, Stephenson's family created a variety of cheese balls for participants to sample, offering.
Stephenson tried her hand at a dessert cheese ball.
Though clumsy with a hand mixer, the resulting dessert made with brown sugar, cream cheese, sugar and chocolate chips was a success when spread on graham crackers.
Leaving school early to participate in dairy promotions, Donna Moser, Stephenson's cousin, said the role is demanding.
"It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy on her part," said Moser. "Time, energy and dedication."
Amember of the Butler County Dairy Promotion Team, Moser also said by talking with youth and adults about the nutrients in dairy products, Stephenson's work also helps the county's dairy industry.
"She's making contacts that definitely help promote the dairy industry," she said.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened1 stick butter, softened¾ cup powdered sugar2 tablespoons brown sugar¼ teaspoon vanilla¾ cup regular or mini chocolate chipsMix all ingredients except chocolate chips with a hand mixer. Form into a ball and chill.Roll chilled cheese ball in chocolate chips.
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese2 tablespoons Miracle Whip or mayonnaise¼ cup minced onion4 teaspoons mustard2 to 3 ounce package chipped beefShred beef in a food processor and combine with other ingredients. Roll into a ball and chill before serving.
2 pounds Velveeta 4 ounces Blue cheese3 8-ounce packages cream cheese8 ounces cheddar cheese¼ teaspoon garlic powderonion, to tasteBlend all ingredients and chill overnight. Form into large balls or logs and chill again.Roll in chopped nuts or parsley.
12 ounces cream cheese1/3 cup parmesan cheese¼ cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise¼ teaspoon oregano1/8 teaspoon garlic saltCombine all ingredients and form into balls, chill.Roll in finely chopped walnuts.
All recipes were submitted by Stephenson for National Cheese Month.
