Mise en place was set and the students were ready to show off their carefully created dishes. The competition required each student to create a composed dish consisting of a protein, starch, vegetable and sauce.
But that’s not all! Each composed dish was required to highlight five culinary techniques and three knife cuts learned during the course of our curriculum. Students were allowed to choose from many ingredients and create a dish which would highlight these techniques as well as impress the judges and their fellow peers.
Guest Judges: As the preparation time was wrapping our guest judges arrived from Emily Griffith Technical College, Tisha Lee and Evelyn Klebenstein were among the guest judges as well as one of our recent graduates Valerie. In addition we had Sabrena Hayes from Mile High Behavioral Healthcare and Chef Suz. The judges table was set and the students now only had ten minutes to plate their dishes. Each student presented their dish and highlighted what techniques and cuts they used to create their masterpiece.
Dishes: The first dish presented was Chicken and Dumplings, which was creamy and delicious and contained beautifully cut mirepoix and homemade dumplings and chicken stock. The next dish up was a twist on a classic Gumbo containing smoky andouille sausage and chicken. The dish was perfectly seasoned and served with rice and topped with fresh herbs. The final dish presented for the day was Salmon cooked to perfection with a tangy and sweet marinade served with a side of creamy potatoes with bechamel sauce and a blanched vegetable salad containing apples, celery, onion and carrot.
The judges were pleased with each dish and offered many compliments and constructive feedback to ensure students would be ready for the next culinary competition; as they soon enter the workforce where they will be tasked to create specials and new menu items seasonally.
The friendly competition wrapped up with full bellies and excitement for what their future culinary careers will hold. Compliments were given by all and the success of another Housed Working and Healthy Iron Chef can still be tasted!
