Culinary Skills Challenge

In the U.S. alone, consumers spend approximately $1 trillion annually on food. Agriculture, food processing, food transportation and food retail provide an abundance of valuable jobs in southwest Minnesota. Some of the future food industry leaders gathered on March 31st at the Marshall High School to compete in such areas as: Baking Science, Food Art, Cooking, Cake Decorating, Garnishing, Table Setting, Knife Skills and Menu Design.

In addition to the competitions, students and teachers had an opportunity to learn from top chefs and industry professionals through interactive seminars including: Nutritious and Delicious Healthy Eating Tips, Garnishing and Buffet Presentations, Spice Up Your Meals, Fun with Fondant, Pork-from Farm to Table, and Napkin Folding/Place Setting. This was the 6th year of the Culinary Skills Challenge and the event is gaining popularity every year. In fact, this year the event drew participants from as far away as Shakopee, MN. In total, over 250 students, teachers, judges, and presenters participated in competitions and seminars.

The event will return to the Southwest Minnesota State University Campus next year. Check out the www.LifetimeofLearning.com website for pictures of this year’s event and look for the event date for 2012. We hope to see you there!