The people again have spoken – in this case, a group of judges skilled in the culinary arts – awarding top prizes to four contestants and their delectable creations, in Coast Packing Company’s Fifth Annual #LardLovers Recipe Contest.

A month-long showcase of what the venerable animal fat can do in the hands of talented home chefs, the contest’s top honors went to first and second place entries in sweet and savory categories.

For her Unbeetable Carrot Cake, Jamie Parchman of Harlingen, TX, took top prize in the Sweet Category for a creation the judges called “a hit across the board by all tasters.” Jamie will receive a KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (estimated retail value $430). “Lard lends a texture, a flakiness, to baked goods like crusts and biscuits that you can only get with lard,” she says. The judges agreed: “The lard made the cake very moist!  Nice texture overall; the icing pairs well with flavors and sweetness of cake.  Citrus and pecans were nice change.”