Seasoned by the pitter-patter of little feet, the Asian Food Channel (AFC) Studio hosted the ZESPRI® Junior Chef Cooking Contest 2011. The 5 final teams were selected after going through 2 stages of the contest – the creative photo segment, as well as creating an original recipe incorporating the ZESPRI® Kiwifruit. At the finale, each team had to whip up a storm of 3 dishes in 1.5 hours.
Attractive prizes, kindly sponsored by ZESPRI® and 3M, awaited all participating teams. The winning team also won a rare opportunity to have an exclusive private cooking class with local celebrity chef Sam Leong.
Asian Food Channel chefs demonstrated their own appetizer and dessert recipes that each team had to cook, apart from their own recipes. Thankfully, the chefs let in on some special tips to enhance each team’s success with the appetizer and the dessert. With all eyes, ears and scribbled notes, participants were ready to take on the challenge that would culminate in the first ever ZESPRI® Junior Chef 2011 Champion.
After the quick demonstration, the contest was underway. Each team started working on their dishes, dividing the tasks between themselves. The children helped with the mixing of the ingredients, decorating and garnishing the dishes, leaving the more difficult and dangerous tasks to their parents. The chefs were also on hand to assist with any last minute queries the teams might have had.
It was a flurry of action as each team put in their best effort to complete the dishes within the stipulated time. Their faces were all wreathed in smiles of accomplishment when all dishes were completed and ready for the final judgment.
The judging panel consisted of Judy Lee from ZESPRI®, nutritionist Pooja Vig and two chefs from AFC Studio. Each tasted the dishes presented by the teams, taking notes on various criteria such as the taste, texture, and even the presentation of the dish.
No teams walked away empty handed. Each team walked awaywith a ZESPRI® and 3M Hamper as well as a trophy. The winning team also received additionally a one-on-one private cooking lesson with celebrity chef Sam Leong.
Congratulations to Lily Chua and her daughter for winning the first ever ZESPRI® Junior Chef Cooking Contest 2011. We hope you enjoy the exclusive cooking session!
On a final note, we hope all the parent-child duos enjoyed cooking and bonding all through this contest.