Creativity on display at 2018 National Young Chef Competition

Thu, Mar 15th 2018, 03:40 PM

Wild boar, stuffed duff, spicy confetti rice, guava pancakes, conchy rice soufflé, Cat Island coco rice are just some of the dishes that students ages 11-14 have cooked up for the National Young Chef Culinary Competition 2018.

Some 60 Family Island junior high school students and several from New Providence are among those vying in the competition presently in progress and now in its 26th year. The Ministry of Education is partnering with Mahatma Rice and Robin Hood Flour, to host the event.

Six culinary competitions comprise the week’s itinerary. They include: Cupcake Junior Challenge, Cupcake Senior Challenge, Signature Pastry Dish Round, Mystery Basket Hot Food Round, Junior High school National Culinary Competition and Senior High School National Culinary Competition.

This year’s theme is “Infusing the flavors of the Islands: This We Bahamas.” Students were asked to prepare dishes based on the theme. 

“Each island was asked to think about what is prevalent on their island, the indigenous foods, whatever produce is available and use them to create their dish. The students are getting exotic and creative. Some of the cupcakes were not only sweet but savory,” said Raquel Turnquest, Acting Education Officer, Family and Consumer Science Unit.

Ms. Turnquest said this year’s competition is progressing well. “The children are learning a lot just from participating in the competition and being exposed to executive and international chefs.”

A two-day culinary skills conference was held for participating students on March 12th and 13th at the University of The Bahamas. Chefs gave demonstrations on napkin folding, cake decorating, how to make fruit platters, how to use a piping bag and make one out of paper.

An awards ceremony will be held at Marriott Courtyard, Nassau Street and West Bay Street on Friday, March 16th.

Scenes from the 2018 National Young Chef Competition. (BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)

By Kathryn Campbell

 Sponsored Ads