Idaho Falls chefs showcase culinary creativity with insects in Bugsgiving contest
- The event featured a competition where Idaho Falls residents prepared insect-based dishes at The Museum of Idaho.
- Participants learned about Thanksgiving history and the general consumption of insects during the event.
- The first place winners created a unique recipe using jalapeño cornbread topped with honey and crickets.
In Idaho Falls, Idaho, a unique culinary competition took place, focusing on the incorporation of insects into traditional side dishes. The event, held at The Museum of Idaho, involved contestants competing to create innovative meals as part of a reality show-style format. Participants were judged by three museum judges, who also provided an engaging presentation on the history of Thanksgiving while educating attendees about the prevalence of insect consumption in daily diets. Contestants had less than an hour to combine various ingredients, including crickets, mealworms, and black ants, to produce distinct dishes such as hummus, stuffing, and deviled eggs. The competition concluded with judges sampling and critiquing each dish, ultimately awarding first place to a recipe featuring jalapeño cornbread topped with honey and crickets. This event not only showcased culinary skills but also aimed to shift public perception regarding the use of insects as a viable food source due to their nutritional benefits.