A New Generation of Culinary Talent Emerges from Durham Public Schools
In a thrilling showcase of culinary creativity and teamwork, students from Northern High School in Durham Public Schools have claimed the top spot in the 2024 Southeast Jr. Chef Competition. Their winning recipe, Crispy Taquitos with Chipotle Sauce, captivated judges at the event held at Nashville State Community College in Tennessee.
The team, consisting of Myles Bates, Salomon Garcia, Aiden Lankford, and Isaac “Brody” Terry, who call themselves the Flaming Knights, embraced the challenge to craft a nutritious school lunch entrée. Their dish not only adhered to national nutrition standards but also featured locally sourced ingredients from North Carolina, incorporating USDA Foods items to meet the competition’s stringent requirements.
With a focus on health and flavor, the Flaming Knights revamped a student favorite, taquitos. They filled whole grain tortillas with a savory blend of sautéed chicken, spices, black beans, carrots, and locally grown cabbage, onions, and zucchini, all complemented by a homemade spicy chipotle dipping sauce. The recipe proved its popularity when it was introduced to Durham Public Schools’ menus, selling out rapidly.
Competing for Culinary Excellence
During the competition, teams had ninety minutes to prepare their dishes and five minutes to present their creations to a panel of evaluators. In addition to taste, teams were judged on creativity, use of local ingredients, adherence to nutrition guidelines, and culinary skills. The Flaming Knights impressed judges with their innovation and teamwork.
Among the competitors were teams from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The Wildcat Catering Crew from Bath County High School in Kentucky secured second place with their Wildcat Quiche, while the Golden Chefs from Golden Strip Career Center in South Carolina took third with their Grilled Chicken Bahn Mi.
The winners received scholarships to Sullivan University in Kentucky, with the first-place team members each earning $10,000, second-place winners receiving $8,000, and third-place winners $5,000.
Fostering a Passion for Culinary Arts
The Southeast Jr. Chef Competition, launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2018, aims to inspire students in the Southeast to pursue culinary careers. North Carolina’s participation is supported by a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and various state agriculture and education programs.
The competition encourages healthy eating habits and greater appreciation for nutritious, appealing school meals. Students learn about the farm-to-school movement and the intricacies of creating school-friendly recipes.
For more information on the N.C. Jr. Chef Competition, visit the N.C. Jr. Chef Competition website. Details on School Nutrition Programs in North Carolina are available on the School Nutrition Division website. USDA and NCDPI ensure equal opportunity for all participants.
Read More Here
