APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Raw beef, seasoning and bread buns aren’t normally things you’d think you’d need to bring to school, but they were Friday for high school students at Fox Valley Technical College.
Things were heating up inside FVTC’s kitchen.
The school’s Culinary program hosted a competition Friday.
“We really wanted to solidify what our culinary department would be,” said Gary Lyons, culinary instructor at FVTC. “Also, we’re starting an associate degree in baking and pastry, so we wanted to invite those students that are interested in baking a pastry to be able to compete also.”
Caleb Martell from Plymouth High School was there to show he’s master of the grill. His passion for food started years ago.
“From a younger age, I’ve always enjoyed watching cooking shows, and competitions, and stuff like that. I also work at a restaurant,” he said.
The students had to submit videos of their creations beforehand, and the top candidates were invited to come in and show instructors the real deal.
“It’s just fun to watch the different ideas they have to create the flavors,” FVTC culinary instructor Richard Williams said. “I mean, we’ve had butter being shaved into burgers, we’ve had wild boar and elk burger, we’ve had a couple poached eggs on the burger, so just a lot variety.”
The future chefs are judged on organization, sanitation, how they’re building their flavors, creativity and, of course, the presentation of their final product.
Students have an hour to set up their stations, show their techniques, cook, prep and serve their plates. But the hardest part comes when it’s time to taste and judge the food.
Others, like Tazia Reese provided the dessert after the meal. Her masterpiece? A chocolate cake with caramel apple filling, spiced buttercream frosting and miso caramel.
“At work, we sell caramel apples with M&Ms, and so I was thinking, ‘Hey, that’d be kinda cool,’ and the miso caramel I learned from my food science teacher, she said. “I just thought I could incorporate miso and apples into a cake!”
Reese hopes to own her own bakery one day, and Martell sees himself as a top chef.
Despite what we’re seeing in the hospitality industry right now, FVTC says employment for chefs and head cooks is expected to grow 25% from 2020-2030. Much of the growth is due to recovery from the pandemic, so the school wants to foster these students’ love of food and cooking.
“If you’re scared to do something like this, don’t be, because it’s actually not that scary!” said Reese.
Competitors in each category receive FVTC scholarships: $300 (1st) $200 (2nd) and $100 (3rd).
The winners for cakes were:
- 1st Place: Jack Oman: Oshkosh West High School
- 2nd Place: Tazia Reese: Preble High School
- 3rd Place: Megan Aschenbrenner: Neenah
The winners for burgers were:
- 1st Place: Mason Buhk-Plymouth High School.
- 2nd Place: Braden Neu-Plymouth High School.
- 3rd Place: Dominik Rivera-Forbush-Wildrose High School.
