A recent culinary competition at Sandy Creek High School had students vying for the esteemed honor of being named ‘Top Chef.’

Alexis Donohoe, left, and Karintha Myslivecek earned top honors in the fourth period ‘Top Chef’ competition of the Food and Nutrition Class at Sandy Creek High School. The pair prepared a moist and gooey Apple Dapple Cake for a panel of judges consisting of teacher and student volunteers.

Similar to the reality television show of the same name, the ‘Top Chef’ challenge featured students from the school’s Food and Nutrition class showcasing their culinary expertise for a panel of judges.

‘Top Chef’ serves as the culminating project for students in the class, putting to test each student’s knowledge of the principles of baking, cooking methods, menu planning, preparation, sanitation and safety.

Students work in pairs for the competition and start by selecting an appetizer, main dish, or dessert recipe that meets a strict standard of criteria including: less than 10 ingredients; no unfamiliar ingredients; no alcohol; must be able to prepare with standard equipment already in the classroom’s kitchen; and it must be a new, untested creation (ie, nothing that was previously prepared as part of a classroom project).

A culinary confection of chocolate, yogurt, homemade whipped cream and strawberries earned Sandy Creek High School Food and Nutrition students Josh Meizlik, left, and Tyler Swarthout fourth place honors in the school’s recent ‘Top Chef’ competition.

Food and Nutrition teacher Marsha Maxon pre-approves each recipe prepared for the ‘Top Chef’ panel of judges and each team is responsible for preparing a grocery list as well as coordinating a preparation schedule to ensure the most effective use of their allotted prep time.

The panel of judges, consisting of Sandy Creek High School faculty and former Food and Nutrition students evaluates each culinary masterpiece on the overall presentation, taste, and creativity.

High scores are awarded to the dishes that appeal to each judge’s wow factor, that are a delightful blend of flavor and texture, and that are pleasing to the eye.

Sandy Creek High School Food and Nutrition student Nate Anderson plates his Apple Cheddar Chicken dish in preparation for this presentation to the ‘Top Chef’ panel of judges.

‘Top Chefs’ from this year’s competition are Karintha Myslivecek and Alexis Donohoe who prepared an Apple Dapple Cake, and Jay Ivison and Kortney Steele who prepared Red Velvet Brownies.

Sandy Creek High School Food and Nutrition student Crystal Tibbles spreads a thin layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate over light and airy white chocolate mousse that she prepared with her teammate Skylar Stone. The delectable dessert was finished off with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and served to the ‘Top Chef’ panel of judges with homemade rose-shaped candies.

The team of Matthew Ennist, right, and Cameron Hall, second from right, present their Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti dish to the panel of ‘Top Chef’ judges. Assisting the team in serving the judges are fellow Sandy Creek High School Food and Nutrition classmates Josh Meizlik, far left, Adrian Ranieri, middle, and Nate Anderson. This dish earned Matthew and Cameron second place honors in the prestigious ‘Top Chef’ competition at the school.