Amber Wells, dietician intern with the SCDHEC is promoting healthy cookie recipes for the SC State Fair Amber Wells has been learning the ropes at Bryan VA Hospital as a dietician intern. Now with most of the requirements behind her, she plans to focus on the cookie contest hosted by the Columbia Midlands Dietetic Association.

“The contest is one means of raising awareness baked goods can be prepared with less fat and still be good,” said Wells, a graduate of the University of Nebraska. Cookies prepared by contestants will be judged at this year’s SC State Fair October 6–16.

“We have extended the deadline for entries, but encourage bakers to send us their recipes as soon as possible.” Wells said recipes, including ingredients and baking information, should be typed or printed neatly.

Wells suggested those planning to enter the contest consider reducing the baking time and the oven temperature. A recipe with less fat could be drier. These adjustments will help the cookies stay moist.

Encouraging more nutritious cookies is a good fit with Wells’ career plans. She hopes to work in community health where she sees a need for nutritional information, especially among African Americans and other minority populations. Statistically, they are at greater risk for developing hypertension and diabetes, and better nutrition helps both diseases.

Wells has served other rotations of her internship at HealthSouth, and the SC Department of Mental Health, and will have a placement with a local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

Details about the contest can be found at www.scstatefair.com.