It was Mardi Gras time during finale week with Fairfield High School’s Iron Chef Challenge.
The final two teams, Simmer Down and Cuisines Out Of Paradise, found unique ways to incorporate mango, the secret ingredient, into their New Orleans style recipes.
Judging the entrees were Reggie Davis, owner/operator of Good Neighbor Cleaners; Nicole Hughes, owner/operator of Mommacakes; and Fairfield Mayor Kenny Hughes.
Special Guest judge was U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, John K. Powell, a culinary specialist.
Powell spoke with the Culinary Arts students about his military experiences and gave out Army swag in exchange for correct answers to culinary trivia.
Simmer Down entered a Crawfish Etoufee that was complimented for its glossy sheen. This group included Daisa Hilburn, Tori Sikes, Piper Niswagner and Cristal Rosales.
Cuisines Out of Paradise made a colorful Creole Fried Rice that judges thought had the right balance. This team included Gerlicia Manning, Richard Charleson, Aynslie Whiteside and Bryona Harris.
Winner of the 2019 FHS Iron Chef Challenge was…Cuisines Out of Paradise!
Teacher Laura Craddick thanked all the volunteer judges throughout the month for giving feedback and guidance to her culinary arts students. “This has been a great project and we look forward to making this an annual event for us,” she says.