January 13, 2020
By:
The Tennessee Department of Education School Nutrition Program recently hosted the 2nd annual high school Junior Chef Competition.
In the first round, teams competed across the state to develop a nutritious, student-friendly recipe that included local foods and was easily incorporated into the school nutrition program.
In the second round, the top eight finalists from the Recipe Contest were invited to prepare their recipe at the Tennessee State Junior Chef Competition on January 9th-11th. Dishes were judged on taste, student appeal, presentation, and creativity. Each student on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams received scholarships to Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky in the following amounts: 1st place-$16,000, 2nd place-$10,000, 3rd place-$6,000.
The DeKalb County High School FCCLA Culinary members, The Biting Tigers, entered the TN Junior Chef Competition with their recipe of Lasagna Cups. The Biting Tigers consists of Elisabeth Saylors (senior), Sophia Angeletti (sophomore), and Jacklyn Kleparek (freshman).
The team worked hard on creating their recipe of lasagna cups, featuring crispy wonton wrappers filled with a flavorful cheese blend and homemade meat sauce. The cheese blend includes two varieties of cheese, parsley, and oregano. The meat sauce includes ground turkey and more than five different vegetables. This kid friendly dish is easy to prepare, eat, and not to mention delicious.
The Biting Tiger’s recipe and determination lead the team to becoming a top eight finalist in the recipe contest and then lead to winning 1st place at the TN Junior Chef State Competition. Team senior, Elisabeth Saylors also received the “Spirit Award” for her leadership for the Biting Tigers.
The team was coached by: Linda Parris Culinary Arts Teacher and FCCLA Culinary Adviser, Amy Lattimore, School Nutrition Supervisor, and Elise Driver, Coordinated School Health.
We are so proud of the work these students have put into preparing for this competition and wish them the best as they prepare for the next round for the Southeast Region Junior Chef Competition at Sullivan University in Louisville, KY in the spring of 2020.
Pictured Left to Right: Sophia Angeletti, Elisabeth Saylors, and Jacklyn Kleparek.