Share on Facebook

{mosimage}

Ms. Allie Johnson, baker at Orchard House Booksellers in Downtown Smithfield, received two awards in the culinary division for her "Pumpkin Yumpkin Scones" at the 2009 North Carolina State Fair.

Allie's baking creation won a Blue Ribbon in the "Breads, Cakes, Cookies and Candies Division", as well as the coveted top prize of "Best In Show."

"Over the last several years, I have entered the Fair's baking competition, but have walked away empty handed," states Ms. Johnson.  "This year I tweaked the recipe a little and added pumpkin since it is the fall season.  I knew I had something special, but was shocked to come away with the overall Best in Show award."

Scones are a type of pastry often served at breakfast or tea, especially in Britain. Traditional English scones slightly resemble American biscuits, as both use a flaky, dense pastry, but scones tend to be a bit sweeter, and can also incorporate ingredients like dried fruit. Delicious when eaten warm, scones are also served cold with a variety of toppings including marmalade, jams, honey and butters.

Located at 117 North Third Street in Downtown Smithfield, Orchard House customers can taste the award winning pastries firsthand as the scones are baked fresh every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

"Our regular customers already knew how delicious these treats were," states Chris Kinkade, owner of Orchard House Booksellers.  "Now with Allie receiving recognition at the State level, we are having to bake more just to keep up with the demand."

For more information about the Orchard House Booksellers or other downtown Smithfield businesses, please contact Chris Johnson at 919-934-0887 or visit the web at www.downtownsmithfield.com.