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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:36 a.m., Monday, November 17, 2008

12-year-old wins 5th straight coffee recipe title

Associated Press

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — Twelve-year-old Mika Bettencourt is creating her own culinary dynasty.

For the fifth straight year, the Kealakehe Intermediate School student on Sunday scored the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival's recipe contest crown.

Bettencourt's Kona Coffee Mocha Tart was tops in the children's division, which is restricted to desserts and included an entry by her 10-year-old brother, Tyler.

In addition to family bragging rights, Bettencourt took home a $200 KTA Super Stores gift certificate and trophy.

Bettencourt says she gets tips from her mom, Joyce, who owns Keei Cafe in Kainaliu.

She says she likes making desserts because cooking is like giving people a gift.

Chef and contest judge Carolyn Deal says Bettencourt could turn her talent into a career.