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To heck with all those doubters who think kids won't eat healthy food! Not only will they eat it, but they'll cook it too! Culinary arts and home economic students from Houston's Barbara Jordan High School, Louie Welch Middle School and Eleanor Tinsley Elementary competed in a "Top Chef" style competition to create healthy, yummy school lunches. Chef Ann Cooper, "The Renegade Lunch Lady," came to help and got her hands dirty teaching the kids proper technique and encouraging them in creating their culinary creations. The kids formed teams of five to six students so that each school was represented in each group. The older kids mentored the younger ones and they all had a hand in creating some delicious food.After all the kitchen hustle and bustle was done, Cooper was joined by fellow chefs -- Mark Holley, executive chef at Pesce; Monica Pope of T'afia and founder of the Midtown Farmers Market; and Houston ISD Executive Chef Jon Guimond -- who raved about the professionalism and pure culinary talent the "chefs of tomorrow" exhibited. Congrats to Team One who came out on top in this first annual competition. In spring of 2010, all of the students in the Houston Independent School District will experience the winning lunch menu of sautéed marinated chicken, whole grain rice, sautéed mixed vegetables, rosemary roast potatoes and organic yogurt with cucumber, watermelon and strawberries. Makes you want to try a school lunch, doesn't it?!Kimberly Crowder is our Houston Media and Community Relations Coordinator.
