There were hundreds and hundreds of culinary entries submitted to the Arizona State Fair this year and Arizonans didn’t fail to impress with their delicious treats.
Differentiating yourself from the rest and being awarded a blue ribbon is a challenging task.
Our very own Olivia Drescher had this in mind when she submitted her Toffee delights. Olivia won first and second place for her submission of English and Churro Toffee in this year’s competitive entry.
Olivia’s Toffee has been paraded around the office for its sweet, crunchy, caramel bites.
“I don’t make it very often because it takes a long time,” Olivia said. “But when I do, it makes it that much special.”
This was Olivia’s first year with the Arizona State Fair and she wanted to make it a memorable one. Olivia joined the Fair’s marketing and media department in the Summer as an intern and has been along for the Fair Fun ever since.
Olivia attends BYU Idaho where she will graduate in December with a degree in Business Management and Marketing.
Olivia enjoys making her toffee as it evokes memories of her grandmother, the creator of the recipe.
“I learned the recipe from my mother who learned it from her mother,” Olivia said. “It’s been a family tradition around Christmas and we always give it out to our family and friends.”
Olivia’s Toffee is a true labor of love as it takes over an hour to make the savory treat. The rich, cinnamon toffee is layered with smooth chocolate and topped with crunchy almonds and pecans. It also wouldn’t be a family recipe without a secret ingredient.
“My grandmother told me to use this speciality butter in the toffee,” Olivia said. “It’s more expensive than regular butter and it’s what gives the toffee its sweet flavor. I once used a different butter and it just wasn’t the same.”
In the past, Olivia and her grandmother have sold the toffee but more for pure enjoyment than to make a profit.
“My grandmother sells it occasionally and barely breaks even,” Olivia said. “She enjoys cooking and bringing happiness in other people’s homes.”
We’ve enjoyed having Olivia and her toffee at the Arizona State Fair this year and hope to see her back at the Arizona State Fair next year.