St. Joseph’s Convent St. George’s wins first Dutch Lady Culinary Competition

By Linda Straker

WITH a total of 121 points St. Joseph’s Convent St. George’s is the winner of the first Dutch Lady Milk Culinary Competition for secondary schools which was held last week Thursday at the Grenville Home Economic Centre.

Following the semi final round last Monday four of the seven schools made it to the final competition.
Placing second was Boca Secondary with 107 points; third was St Joseph Convent Grenville with 105 points and fourth was MacDonald College with 93 points. The competition was co-ordinated by Mrs Pamela Courtney who believes that such a competition will assist students who are preparing for the CXC food and nutrition.

Organised by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development in partnership with Hubbards Agencies, agents for Dutch Lady Milk, a culinary competition was open to Form four and five Food and Nutrition students in all secondary schools.

“The objectives of this competition were to enhance students preparedness for the CXC practical food and nutrition examinations and to build self confidence in students and improve their culinary skills,” said Deputy Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Ms. Andrea Phillip.

Co-ordinated by Mrs. Pamela Courtney, Curriculum Development Officer, Home Economics in the Ministry of Education, she explained that the competition was organised in two rounds: A semi-final round with all schools that entered the competition, and a final round comprising of the selected schools from the semi-final round.

During each round the school’s team of up to four students were provided with food items in a “mystery” basket which they must use in the preparation of their dishes. All participants competed in the categories of Dessert, Main Dish with a starchy accompaniment, and Entrée.

The competition was judged on: creative use of ingredients, hygiene, taste and texture of dishes, technical skills, and presentation. In each round of competition, participants were given 55
minutes to prepare and present two plates to the judges. When the mystery basket was revealed, teachers had five minutes briefing with their students.

With Dutch Lady Milk as the main sponsor of this competition participants had to use Dutch Lady Milk in all their products.

Mrs. Margaret Roberts of Hubbards Agency said that all participants will be awarded certificates of participation and Dutch lady products, and the winning schools will receive attractive prizes.

“The overall winner/ School will receive a challenge trophy which will be kept after three wins,” she said while giving the assurance that the event will be an annual activity.