Persistence continues to pay off for one local cook, who for thesecond time in 10 years has won the top prize in The DAILY LEADER’sannual Wooden Spoon Cookbook Contest.

Longtime entrant Sheila Day, of Brookhaven, was named the grandprize winner in the competition during a reception Thursday eveningat The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Her Summer Fruit Saladwith Blueberry Vinaigrette recipe submitted in the Soups, Saladsand Fruits category was the judges’ favorite of among over 200recipes entered in this year’s contest.

“I am thrilled to death and overwhelmed,” Day said. “I neverexpected this.”

Day’s win this year is not only the second in a decade but herthird in 20 years. She was the grand prize winner in 1994 with her”Big River Tenderloin” in the Main Dish category and a decade priorwith her “Strawberry Bread” in Breads and Rolls.

Day found this year’s recipe in a magazine. The single mother oftwo said it is a favorite of her sons.

“My boys love it,” Day said.

As grand prize winner, Day received a $300 check from The DAILYLEADER and a $50 cash prize for her category win. She plans to usethe money on vacation.

“My three sisters and I have been talking about taking avacation, so I may use it for that,” said Day.

All category winners received $50 prize money from The DAILYLEADER Thursday. Winners in other categories were as follows:

Category 1 – Appetizers:

Lydia R. King is the top winner in this category with herTailgatin’ Dip recipe.

Category 2 – Soups, Salads, Fruits:

Category and grand prize winner is Sheila Day for Summer FruitSalad with Blueberry Vinaigrette.

Category 3 – Main Dish:

Category winner is Rhonda Lyons with her Piggy Pudding.

Category 4 – Vegetables:

Anna Hartgraves is the winner of this category with her OkraCasserole.

Category 5 – Desserts and Sweets:

Donna Eickenloff’s Butterfinger Toffee Almond Cookies was thefirst place winner. Finalist Kesha Smith’s Peanut Butter Pie inthis category was also chosen as the winner of the annual ChuckyAward. The award is named after longtime DAILY LEADER publisherCharles Jacobs.

Category 6 – Breads and Rolls:

Mandy Mullins won Category 6 with her Lemon RicottaBiscuits.

Category 7 – For Your Health:

Winner is Miriam Crowe with her Vegetable Pizzas.