Sandra Wolfe, a senior Appalachian State University accounting major from Fuquay-Varina, won $200 for her Harvest Apple Soup recipe in the N.C. Apple Association's cooking contest at the State Fair. Her mom, Janice Wolfe also of Fuquay-Varina, took home honorable mention for an Apple and Ham Cheddar Braid.

Kathy Shortt of Garner took home the red ribbon and $150 for her Apple and Sausage Breakfast Bake.

Kelly Crowley of Cary won third and $75 for the Apple Sage Tartlets recipe.

The entries were judged on taste, appearance and creative use of apples. Each recipe needed to use at least two cups of North Carolina-grown apples.

The winning recipe follows:

Harvest Apple Soup

• 1 teaspoon butter

• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Wolfe used Gala apples)

• 1 tablespoon chopped onion

• 1 can (14 ounces) low sodium chicken broth

• 1 can cheddar cheese soup

• 1 cup sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed

• 1/2 cup half and half

• 1/4 cup bacon, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoon curry

• garnish of bacon bits

Mix butter, apples, onions, chicken broth, cheddar cheese soup, sweet potatoes, half and half. Simmer in medium sauce pan five to 10 minutes. Add bacon, black pepper and curry. Use a hand blender until well blended. Serves 4.