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N.C. Jr. Chefs Compete in First-Time Virtual Cook-Off

Four high school teams competed in the state’s first-ever virtual North Carolina Jr. Chef cook-off this month to create unique school lunch entrée recipes.

Clyde A. Erwin High from Buncombe County Schools won first place with their Holy Smoke Show Waffle. The “Waffle Warriors” said they created their recipe to elevate their schools’ game for Taco Tuesday all the way to Waffle Wednesday as an innovative variation on the typical taco. The school lunch entrée created by the “Waffle Warriors” included a homemade cornbread, cheddar, and jalapeno waffle; local Brasstown beef sauteed with tomatoes and spices; chilled, diced, roasted sweet potato; spicy kale chips; and a drizzle of honey.

Tracey Bates, a school nutrition specialist with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s School Nutrition Division and member of the N.C. Jr. Chef Competition committee, said that in addition to making their recipes, the four teams also made history by participating in the competition’s first virtual cook-off.

“Not only did these students meet the challenge of creating an appealing entrée recipe that met the requirements,” Bates said, “but they also did this virtually in the midst of a pandemic.”

Clyde A. Erwin High “Waffle Warriors” pictured at left.

Apex High from Wake County Public Schools won second place and a gold medal for their on-trend, flavorful, vegetable-packed Mediterranean Chicken Grain Bowl. With a sweet spin on an old favorite, Swain County High won third place and a silver medal for their Shepard’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash. East Chapel Hill High from Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools won fourth place and a silver medal for their Blackened Chicken Taco Salad with Citrus Crema, a new twist on a popular favorite.

The Career and Technical Education students, enrolled in Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Food and Nutrition, or Food Science and Technology courses, were challenged to work with their Family and Consumer Sciences teachers and School Nutrition directors to develop a creative recipe for a school lunch entrée that met a list of requirements: complied with School Nutrition Program standards, included at least two North Carolina-grown products and one USDA Foods item, is replicable by School Nutrition Programs, and appeals to student taste preferences.

For the competition, teams applied with their recipe ingredients and instructions, recipe photo, nutrient and cost analysis, time management plan for preparing the recipe within the 90-minute time limit, and a video of their team preparing and plating their recipe. The Jr. Chefs also participated in a live interview to present their culinary creations to a panel of evaluators. Teams were evaluated on their recipe development skills, food preparation, marketing, public presentation, organization, and use of locally grown products. Teams were required to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, recommendations from their local health departments, guidance from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and their local schools or districts.

N.C. Jr. Chef finalist teams were recognized Friday during a virtual ceremony as part of the N.C. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (NCFCCLA) State Leadership Conference. The students received their own N.C. Jr. Chef coats and hats, signaling their first step into the world of culinary competition. In addition, they received certificates and medals based on team scores. First, second and third-place teams received plaques to display in their schools, and the first-place team will have the honor of hosting the competition trophy until the next cook-off. Sullivan University in Kentucky will offer scholarships to the student members of the top three teams.

The Junior Chef Competition was created to inspire the next generation of culinary professionals, stimulate interest in locally produced agricultural products, increase participation in School Nutrition Programs, provide nutrition education, and encourage healthy eating habits. A collection of recipes from the first three years of the competition is in development. Also, recipes, inspired by the Jr. Chef team creations, will be made available for School Nutrition Programs across the state.

The N.C. Jr. Chef Competition was planned by the School Nutrition Division and Career and Technical Education Division at the Department of Public Instruction in partnership with the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ Farm to School ProgramNorth Carolina Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (NC FCCLA) and the Farm to School Coalition of North Carolina.

USDA and NCDPI are equal opportunity providers and employers. Additional information about the North Carolina Jr. Chef Competition is available online. More information regarding School Nutrition Programs in North Carolina can be found on the School Nutrition Division website.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800.877.8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: USDA Discrimination Complaint Form, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866.632.9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.

(2) fax: 202.690.7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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