Students get saucy at Farmington Junior Chef Competition – The Durango Herald

### Munchy Maker Triumphs at Farmington Junior Chef Competition

The Farmington Junior Chef Competition held on April 13 at the Farmington High School auxiliary gym was a showcase of culinary talent from five teams representing schools in the Farmington Municipal School District. The competition featured teams from Mesa View Middle School, Tibbetts Middle School, Heights Middle School, Piedra Vista High School, and Farmington High School, each vying for monetary prizes and the chance to have their dish featured on the district’s menu.

The theme of the competition was “Taste of Italy – New Mexico Style,” challenging students to put their own twist on traditional Italian cuisine while incorporating local flavors. The young chefs were tasked with preparing two plates within an hour – one for presentation and one as a sample for the judges.

Judges for the event included FMS student nutrition coordinator Maria Johnson, Food Corps program coordinator Tatyana Trujillo, and former chef and FMS substitute Jill Mayer. The criteria for judgment included originality, taste, appearance, wellness, and the ability to replicate the dish.

One standout from the competition was Troy Longoria, a Piedra Vista High School freshman, who competed as a one-person team under the name Munchy Maker. Longoria impressed the judges with his green chicken spaghetti dish, earning him the title of Top Junior Chef and a $1,000 prize.

Another highlight of the event was the success of the Knights team from Heights Middle School, who took home the award for Best Recipe and Taste. Their green chile marinara sauce with butter noodles was so flavorful that it secured them a spot on the district’s lunch menu for the next year.

In addition to the Knights’ victory, other awards were given out to recognize the teams’ efforts. The Dudes from Farmington High School won for Best Presentation, Forks and Spoons from Mesa View Middle School were awarded Best Team Spirit, and Papa Louie from Tibbetts Middle School received the award for Best Effort.

Overall, the Farmington Junior Chef Competition was a testament to the culinary skills and creativity of the students in the Farmington Municipal School District. The event not only provided a platform for young chefs to showcase their talents but also encouraged them to continue honing their skills and exploring their passion for cooking. Congratulations to all the participants on a successful and delicious competition!

Written by staticwire