Geneseo High School students tested their culinary skills this week by taking part in a holiday-themed cooking competition inspired by the Food Network’s “Chopped” reality show.
Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teachers Michelle Glazier and Kelly VanKerrebroeck organized and oversaw the two-day competition, while building staff served as judges for each of the five Foods 1 classes that participated.
Similar to the show “Chopped,” students were tasked with taking mystery ingredients and turning them into dishes that were evaluated by a panel of judges.
“We’ve gone over a number of things the last few weeks from MyPlate to various cooking methods,” Mrs. VanKerrebroeck explained. “This competition allowed the students to bring in their own ideas and ingredients, then add them to the four mystery ingredients.”
The first day featured an appetizer/entree round with ham, pomegranate, plain yogurt and pretzels as the ingredients, while the second day focused on making desserts using a hot chocolate packet, biscuits, strawberry preserves and bacon.
“We saw a lot of different methods, from pan frying the ham to pan broiling the bacon and others using the airfryer,” said Mrs. VanKerrebroeck. “We had covered the basics on how to cook and this helped tie it all together.”
Judges evaluated each dish based on presentation, taste and creativity in deciding which students got “chopped” on the first day and which kitchens advanced with a chance to win.
“Once the students learn the ingredients, it’s on them to figure out a recipe and any other ingredients they want to add,” said Mrs. Glazier. “There is a lot of thinking and planning ahead that is involved. They really enjoy the competition and we have Christmas music playing so that helps them get into the mood.
“The kids are so competitive and they couldn’t wait to find out the results–who won and who got chopped,” Mrs. Glazie added.
Whereas the chefs on “Chopped” compete for a chance to win $10,000, GHS students faced off to win the coveted gold wooden spoon–and bragging rights.
Congratulations to the winners from each of the five classes!
1st Hour:
Cole Freeman, Eli Ford, Carter VanOpdorp, Parker Byrd, Alex Moe
2nd Hour:
Devan Hornback, Rena Ceurvorst, Hayden Spranger (missing from photo)
3rd Hour:
Reade Murphy, Cole Williams, Thomas Allen, Brayden Combs
6th Hour:
Lillian Hull, Alegna Lopez, Isabel Stroud
7th Hour:
Emma Massingill, Evelyn Wendland, Cara Ettore, Riley Davis (missing from photo)
