Chefs Compete in Chemistry Cook Off

Upper School Science teacher Gigi Mathews led her Chemistry of Cooking students in a final project which saw them applying science, using cutting boards and serving their teachers freshly prepared foods as part of a Chemistry of Cooking Cook Off competition.

For the first part of the project, students were asked to select a recipe and research the science that made it delicious. Once students picked their entrees, Mathews provided each with questions to investigate their selection. Students then created infographics to answer Mathews’ questions and provide more detail on the science that helped make their food taste so great. For example, “How does vodka work as an emulsifier?” “In a hot fudge sauce, explain what is happening on the particle level when butter and condensed milk are added to melted chocolate.”

With their entrees known, students created an ingredient list and went shopping with a $40 budget. The following day was used for cutting and prep so that the final day could be all about cooking, plating, presentation and tasting.

Mathews encouraged students to practice making their recipes at home to ensure they could prepare them efficiently in the classroom. She also reminded students that their final grade would be based on the science already conducted, as well as the readiness (mise en place), efficiency, presentation and flavor of their final product as determined by faculty judges.

On the final day of the project, Mathews' classroom was alive with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a production kitchen. Bell peppers stuffed with rice and cheese cooked in the oven, while groups of students worked over crepes, pasta with vodka sauce, chicken stir fry, desserts and more. 

Mathews helped students identify faculty members who would be available during their class session to serve as celebrity judges and taste the offerings on display. These judges were treated to some extra special service as each student group took their turn approaching the judges, introducing their recipe and then patiently waited for feedback.

Some student offerings were more well received than others, but all involved enjoyed the products of this year’s Chemistry of Cooking Cook Off.

Check out photos from the experience here.