April 23, 2014 at 2:43 p.m.
Rhinelander High School sophomore takes silver at state baking competition
Rhinelander High School sophomore takes silver at state baking competition
By Kayla Thomason-
Bell, a sophomore at Rhinelander High School, took silver at the state Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competition held March 31-April 2 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.
He participated in the Pastries and Baked Goods category with his cranberry orange chocolate layer cake.
In February he took first place in the Mosinee regional FCCLA pastry arts competition with a warm Dutch apple pie.
"It was pretty fast-paced for baking," Bell said. "[State] was kind of difficult but I still felt fairly confident about it."
For each competition the contestants were assigned tasty challenges.
At regionals they knew going in what they would be baking, but at state they had four recipes to practice and one was chosen on the day of the event.
Bell had two weeks to learn each recipe. He said he tried to spend as much time as possible in the school's kitchen, after his classes were over, perfecting the recipes.
The contestants had two hours to bake their dessert.
They were judged on organization, how the dessert looked and tasted, how they were dressed for the competition, safety, sanitation, and if they could complete the recipe in the time frame alloted.
"I think he did fantastic for his first time and I'm really proud of him that he is willing to try a more difficult competition next year," said Betsey Perkins, co-advisor for the RHS FCCLA Club.
Bell's interest in the pastry competition peaked after he took ProStart this year. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and restaurant industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow's restaurant and food service leaders, according to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation website. The ProStart curriculum teaches students the skills they need to succeed in the restaurant and food service industry,
It is the most advanced cooking class that Rhinelander High School offers.
Bell hopes to put a team together for next year's cooking competition.
FCCLA is a national organization that encourages personal growth and leadership skills through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA is also a club within the school.
Melissa Conway was the other advisor who oversaw all the dedication and hard work Bell put into practicing for the competition.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.