Melody Jacob

Have you ever been to a cooking or baking show, or maybe even had the chance to judge one? Whether you have or haven’t, I’ve got a question for you.

I was watching the Blue Ribbon Baking Championship on Netflix last night, and while I was impressed by the skill and creativity on display—those desserts and cakes were works of art—I noticed something interesting. One of the female judges seemed to absolutely love moist cakes, another judge was all about the taste, regardless of how things looked, and there was a third judge who tried to balance it all out.

When it comes to judging a cooking or baking competition, there are so many factors at play. Think about it: our upbringing, cultural background, personal taste, and even what we grew up eating all come into play. We tend to fall back on what we know best. So, when judges critique a dish, they’re not just evaluating it in a vacuum—they’re bringing all of these personal experiences and preferences into the mix.

It got me thinking: is there really a definitive “best” cook or baker in these competitions? It seems like it really depends on what each judge prefers. For instance, I’m not a fan of moist cakes, so if I were a judge, I probably wouldn’t score them highly. It’s kind of like how some people like their bacon crispy, while others prefer it a bit burnt.

So, does winning a cooking competition really come down to what the judges or taste testers like? Like, if their taste preferences match what you’ve made, does that give you an edge? Yes, it does. It seems like you’d be in a better spot if their palates are into what you’re serving!


Also, don't forget that how full or hungry you are can totally affect how good the food tastes! If you're starving, even a simple dish can seem amazing, while if you're already stuffed, it might not seem as impressive.

So here’s my big question: In a cooking or baking competition, is there truly a best cook or baker, or is it more about which contestant aligns with the judges’ personal preferences? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Photo Credit: Andrew

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is on the rise in the US. Here’s a quick guide on what dengue is and how you can protect yourself:

Mosquitoes are way more than just an annoying buzz in the summer. They can actually carry some pretty serious diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika. Recently, there's been a strange increase in dengue fever cases in the US, which is a bit concerning.

So, what’s dengue and where is it showing up in the US? Dengue is caused by one of four related viruses, and not everyone who gets it will feel sick. If you do get symptoms, it usually feels like the flu and starts a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you have a fever and any of these symptoms—headaches, joint or muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, or a rash—it's a good idea to see a doctor, especially if you’ve been in an area where dengue is common.

Severe cases of dengue can be serious, leading to symptoms like low blood pressure, bleeding, stomach swelling, or extreme fatigue. These need immediate medical attention, and often require hospital care. But don’t worry too much—deaths from dengue in the US are rare.

Dengue isn’t spread directly from person to person; it’s spread through mosquitoes that have bitten someone already infected. So, if someone travels from a high-risk area with dengue and then gets bitten by a mosquito in the US, that mosquito can spread the virus further.

In the US, dengue cases are mostly reported in places like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands, and in states like Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and California. While there’s been an increase, it’s still not as widespread as in other parts of the world.