Published April 13, 2023
All the right ingredients were in place on April 6 for a deliciously successful 2nd Annual Great District 214 Culinary Competition Bake-Off , sponsored by State Sen. Ann Gillespie.
Start by taking student teams from Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows high schools – all well prepared and seasoned by top-tier ProStart teachers. Mix in an opportunity for students to showcase their developing baking knowledge and skills for a judging panel composed of professional chefs.
Add a dash of anticipation over which students would win the competition and $10,000 in scholarships to Harper College’s Culinary Arts Program. Top it all off with clear evidence of yet one more way in which District 214 helps students discover their passions and prepare for success.
And, voila, you have not only a room full of aromatic savory yeast breads and sweet quick breads - you also have - as evidenced by this video - an event worthy of the label “Great.”
While judges faced difficult decisions in very close competition, they announced that winning teams in both categories were from Elk Grove High School.
The winning team for sweet quick bread was composed of Samantha Rowan and Adam Chamala, for their "Caramel Macchiato Cream Cheese Filled Muffins," with homemade toffee topping. Taking first place in the savory yeast bread category were Alejandro Pons Jurado and Jonathan Alvarado, for their "Jalapeno Popper Monkey Bread," consisting of jalapeno cream cheese-stuffed dough with bacon and cheddar topping.
Click HERE to download all of the delicious recipes from this year’s competition.