Culinary Throwdown challenges local chefs

VERNON — Vernon Township High School recently hosted a Culinary Throwdown, an event which matched four teams of Family and Consumer Science students with local “Mentor Chefs.”

They competed against each other in an effort to see which team would “reign supreme.” The contest raised more than $700 which will fund a scholarship awarded to a Food and Consumer Science student who will graduate in 2013.

The mystery ingredient, turkey, along with an assortment of spices, breads, fresh fruits and vegetables were all provided by the event sponsor, Sodexo.

Each team had 75 minutes to plan, prepare and plate their flavorful creations. While the teams were busy cooking, all attendees were able to dine from a buffet prepared by Sodexo and were entertained by the sounds of the Vernon Township High School’s Jazz Express.

The winning team included the following students, Ashley Weigel, Cassidy Braico, Jess Rueger and Jenn Redfern with Mentor Chef Christian Cortes from Sodexo.

The winning menu included: Cheesy Cajun turkey balls, stuffed Toquito rolls with freshly made sofrito sauce and a blend of vegetables and turkey; and stuffed strawberries.

The remaining teams were made up of: Mentor Chef Vinnie Jurczyszyn from Smokeys in Vernon with students Tom Perkowski, Jon Soto,Chloe Deluca Knighton, Rick Smith and; Mentor Chef Jim Trusa, Vice Principal Vernon Township High School with Emily Pros, John Goritski, Steve Owens, Ann Marie Tanis and; Mentor Chef Florian Wehrli from Crystal Springs with Shane Rodriguez, Michael Murolo, Briana Spagnolo Jake McCarthy.