Becoming a chef challenges individuals to work in a high-pace atmosphere with hundreds of ingredients. In an effort to boost interest in this profession, national organizations invite culinary students to participate in competitions that require skill, knowledge of foods, recipe creativity and the ability to cook under time constraints.
Galbani Cheese, an Italian cheese brand, recently hosted its annual Galbani Caprese Challenge, a cooking competition between some of the top culinary students from across the country. In addition to cooking in a real-life work environment, participants were challenged to create their own recipe with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil as the main ingredients.
This year's winner was Craig Growney, a student from the Culinary Institute of America, who plans to use his $5,000 cash prize to pay for a trip to Italy. Growney's award-winning recipe is also now featured on the Galbani Cheese company's website.
A panel of three judges scored the students' food based on how they used each core ingredient, the uniqueness of their recipe and how their dish tasted.
A nonprofit academic institution, the Culinary Institute of America offers both associate and bachelors degrees in cooking as well as many courses for current professionals.
