Eight finalists will vie for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes at the second National Festival of Breads in Wichita this June.

After weeks of analyzing recipes, kneading, mixing, baking, and testing, a panel of judges selected the finalists' recipes in a taste test on April 6 in Manhattan, Kan. Eight recipes emerged as clear-cut finalists, according to Cindy Falk, nutrition educator for the Kansas Wheat Commission and chair of the National Festival of Breads.

“These eight recipes encompass an exciting array of flavor profiles, baking techniques and skill levels from amateur bakers across the country. We look forward to meeting these contestants in Kansas this summer when they participate in the National Festival of Breads," Falk said.

The finalists include:

Ethnic Breads

Mary Allen, Troy, Ohio - Tart Cherry Schiacciata

Teresa Cardin, Valley Mills, Texas - Apple Cider Cranberry Bread

Rolls

Lois Dowling, Tacoma, Washington - Triple Tangerine Twirling Treats

Robin Porter, Lilburn, Georgia - Jalapeno Cheddar Wheat Hamburger Buns

Time-Saving and Easy Breads

Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania - Fruit-of-the-Vine and Rosemary Olive Oil Snack Bread with Pine Nuts

Gale Collier, Redmond, Oregon - Quick Raisin Granola Breakfast Rolls

Whole Grain Breads

Jamie Swisher, High View, West Virginia - Sweet Wheat Bread

Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina - Charred Lime Ginger Sweet Rolls

“We are so pleased to see the baking creativity demonstrated in our finalists’ recipes,” says Tom Payne, director of marketing for King Arthur Flour. “These finalists represent some of the best home bread baking in the country, and we look forward to bringing them together to learn and to compete this summer in Wichita.”

Finalists will come to "the Heart of Wheat Country," Wichita, Kan., from June 23-25, to bake their creations at the National Festival of Breads. While in Kansas, contestants will participate in a host of additional activities, including a Wheat Harvest Tour, VIP Concert with the Diamond W Wranglers, and more.

Finalists will compete in a live baking showdown on June 25. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500, plus a year's supply of Fleischmann's Yeast and an expenses-paid trip to the King Arthur Flour Baking Education Center in Norwich, Vermont.

In addition to the finalists, several Special Award winners were named, including:

Cranberry Award

Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island - Sweet Potato Cranberry Bacon Rolls

Raisin Award

Gale Collier, Redmond, Oregon - Quick Raisin Granola Breakfast Rolls

White Whole Wheat Award

Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina - Charred Lime Ginger Sweet Rolls

Bread Sculpture Award

Jane Fry, Elk Falls, Kansas - Sunflower and Wheat Bread Sculpture

Details about the 2011 National Festival of Breads, past recipes, and more are available on the official contest website, nationalfestivalofbreads.com.