Every year inmates — yes, people in jail — test their culinary abilities by entering the El Dorado County Fair’s Baking and Fiery Fair categories.

Since 2007 the inmates have amassed more than 50 first, second, and third place ribbons.

This year was no exception. The inmates in the culinary arts program earned 18 ribbons: five first place, six second place, and seven third place ribbons. In addition, the inmates earned several fourth place awards and numerous honorable mentions.

The inmates develop not only cooking and baking skills, but develop pride and life skills as well, which leads to an improved chance of not returning to jail.

Some of the inmate county fair winners for 2012 are:

Marcus Tillman, First Place yeast rolls, Second Place Cinnamon Rolls, Third Place Peanut Butter Cookies.

Jose Avina – First Place Bar Cookies, Third Place White Chocolate Lime Cookies

Rodney Glover – Second Place Chocolate Chip Cookies and Florentine Cookies, Third Place Cup Cakes

Heather Halversa – Second Place Snickers, Third Place Lemon Rasp Drops

Adrianana Garcia – Third Place Macadamia Nut Cookies

Brandi Day – Third Place Fiery Fair Cookies

Katy Manoff – Second Place Cranberry Orange Cookies and Oatmeal Cookies

Symbria Smite – Third Place Sugar Cookies

Alan Gooley – Second Place Coffee Cake.