The Italian Club at The Plantation at Leesburg had their third annual Italian Festival Sunday, and I was invited to judge the meatball competition. First-place winner Donna Hoffman received a golden spoon trophy and the satisfaction of knowing that she perfected her recipe. Second-place winner and recipient of the silver spoon went to Sheralee Depper, and the bronze went to Deb Boyle.

People often assume that judging food competitions is easy, but it is not; the job is a serious one. I know we all have our own opinions about what makes a great meatball, but here are some things I look for when I judge a meatball: Binders — A good meatball doesn't fall apart easily. If it can't stay together, it isn't even a meatball. 

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