Aspiring Top Chefs!

On Wednesday a number of secondary school students showed that they have what it takes to someday make Saint Lucia a true haven for the culinary arts and exquisite cuisine. Maybe someday too we won’t have to go searching the world over for “sous chefs” and  chefs at our finest hotels and restaurants, if this current stock of young bright minds is anything to go by.

Banana Mousse Surprise was a winning recipe by Daniella Samson of the Corinth Secondary School in the Recipe and Cook-off contest organized by the Saint Lucia JICA/JOCV office here. She was one of eleven winners selected, among them Darinna Edward of Vieux Fort Tech with Dasheen Broth with Coconut Sauce and Shirlvel Matthew also of Vieux Fort Tech with Orange-flavoured Sweet Potato Nest. From the Castries Comprehensive school, Malikha Melius dished up a Breadfruit and Kale appetizer. Kimma Willie’s recipe was for Dasheen Kish Medley and Jean Claude Baptiste offered Spicy Breadfruit Bites. They were both from Anse Ger Secondary.

One Vide Boutielle Secondary School student, Shaday Small, came up with Green Fig baked with Pumpkin Casserole, another, Solitah Mangal, a Golden Apple Cupcake. Miniah Joseph of the same school baked Nutty Plantain Cake and Twyla St Ange made a Sweet Potato and Chicken Loaf. From the SDA, Claudine Denctic created Eggplant and Spicy Tomato Sauce Casserole.

Dubbed “The Healthy and Sustainable Contest”, students utilized local ingredients and products sourced locally to come up with some amazing dishes.

The recipes and the winners will be featured in a recipe book to be published in January.