Bonnie Dohogne’s first-prize cake was a “log” decorated with handmade light and dark chocolate “leaves,” meringue “mushrooms,” and real nasturtium flowers. She used her own recipe, a chocolate roulade with two types of chocolate, for the cake.  Photo by John McClelland

Bonnie Dohogne won first prize in Ten Thousand Villages’ second annual Choctoberfest Bake-off last month for her dessert, A Bûche d’ Automne (A Chocolate Autumn Leaves Cake). Contestants were required to use only fair-trade chocolate in their recipes. Entries were based on taste, creativity and presentation.

Judges Colleen Taylor Sen, author of “Curry: a Global History and Encyclopedia of World Street Foods;” Stan Walker, executive chef of Patient Food Services at Rush University Medical Center; and Cynthia Phon, pastry chef, had their hands full tasting, conferring and ultimately selecting three of the many mouthwatering chocolate entries. 

Joan Ehrenberg won second prize for her Chocolate Almond Cherry Crisps.  Third prize went to Barb Smith for her “To Die For” chocolate cake. All three of the winning recipes are available at Ten Thousand Villages, 719 Main St.