INDIANAPOLIS — The 2025 World Food Championships wrapped up this past weekend at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and Indiana chefs had reason to celebrate. Two Hoosiers walked away with world titles out of 10 competitive categories, beating rivals from more than 35 states and 14 countries.

Cindy Hawkins, pastry chef and owner of Circle City Sweets in Indianapolis, took home the Dessert category title for Team Indiana, wowing judges with her French-inspired creations. Daniel McDonald from Franklin won the World Bacon Championship, also representing Team Indiana. Both earned $10,000.

“It’s sort of like the Olympics of cooking , or baking, in my case,” Hawkins told the Tony Katz Show. “There are 10 different categories, plus tons of side competitions. You just hope to make it to the finals —

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