Cathie Hughes, a resident of Clearfield, recently won the most respected prize at the Harmony Grange Fair – top honors in the angel food cake competition. The cake that secured the victory, aptly titled ‘Summertime Angel Food Cake’, was the result of years of meticulous baking and an intrinsic love for delightful flavors.
The story of Cathie Hughes and her angel food cakes goes back to 2005. She was given a recipe by the late Iona Dutra, which became a cornerstone in her passion for baking. However, the recipe has gone through numerous variations as Hughes’ experience grew with time. She usually bakes vanilla or almond-flavored cakes throughout the year, but for this competition, she chose to prepare a Fiori di Sicilia flavored cake, which carries notes of both citrus and vanilla.
Not one to compromise on flavor, Hughes also made use of Mexican vanilla extract in her winning recipe. She revealed that Mexican vanilla is her personal favorite, however, she also clarified that any pure vanilla extract would serve the purpose. The recipe, according to her, strictly prohibits the use of imitation vanilla. Those interested in giving this recipe a twist could substitute the Fiori di Sicilia extract with citrus, lemon, or orange extract whilst increasing the amount of vanilla.
Although baking an angel food cake is not typically seen as a challenging task, Hughes stressed the importance of strictly adhering to both the recipe and the instructions, which ensures a successful baking session. Her years of experience have allowed her to shine in multiple baking spheres as she has competed in not only the angel food cake but also the apple pie and chocolate cake contests in previous years.
Her prowess in baking has taken her to several contests including the Clearfield County Fair and the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. However, the outcome of these competitions has not always been triumphant. Unfazed by the results, Hughes stated, “Clearfield County is blessed with a multitude of skilled bakers; some years I come out on top, other years not.”
Her win at the Harmony Grange Fair qualifies her for 2025’s Farm Show competition, a prospect that excites Hughes as she is already looking forward to it. Adding a playful competitive spirit to the mix, Hughes mentioned that she would be facing her good friend, the winner at the Clearfield County Fair, at the Farm Show. “It’s going to be fun,” she declared optimistically.
It seems that the Summertime Angel Food Cake, linked as it is to the vibrance of the warm season, carries a gentle exhilaration that reflects in its creator. The delightful recipe involves a furious mix of cake flour, sugar, egg whites, salt, cream of tartar extract, Fiori di Sicilia, and pure Mexican vanilla extract.
As for the frosting, it’s a blend of homely ingredients like unsalted butter, soft cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, Mexican vanilla extract, and seedless raspberry jam. Once the cake has been delicately decorated with fresh raspberries and edible lemon balm leaves, the final flourish presents an irresistible delicacy that has been showered with harmony and grace. Whatever competition lies in the future, one certainly can’t help but root for the passion and spirit of Cathie Hughes and her delightful desserts.
