Healthy ‘Grilled Fruits’ recipe wins DES cooking contest

  Dandan Elementary School students on Wednesday put their culinary skills to the test for the honor of representing their school at the Public School System’s islandwide cooking contest next month.

From smoothies to salads, the six aspiring chefs prepared their special recipes that had colorful and creative presentations.

Each entry was adjudged based on taste, appearance, customer appeal, and nutritional value. Recipes should also correspond to the overall theme, “What’s In Your Plate?”

Rachel Reyes, cooking contest coordinator and third grade teacher at Dandan Elementary School, said this is the first time that the school held a cooking competition for students who can join individually or form a team of up to three members.

“This is our first time to hold this event and the kids really enjoyed it. It was awesome and I’m very happy with the recipes,” Reyes said.

LSG Sky Chefs’ Heather Camacho, one of the judges, said she had a hard time evaluating the recipes because they all tasted delicious and healthy.

“The students came up with different things that are all natural because they didn’t use any additives. They’re all good and delicious,” she said.

In the end, it was the “Grilled Fruits” creation of third grader Tivana Torres, her brother and fourth grader Vincent Torres III, and second grader cousin Jesse Taitano who earned the nods of the judges as the best.

The winning team won gift certificates.

“I’m really happy that we won. I’m excited that our team will represent our school in the cooking contest,” said third grader Tivana Torres.

Rowina Torres, mother of Tivana and Vincent, said she took time off work to support her children and nephew as they joined the cooking contest.

“I’m excited for them. My daughter has been asking me for weeks to help them prepare for the contest,” said Rowina Torres, who is the general manager and part-owner of Coral Ocean Point.

According to Rowina Torres, all three children always help in the kitchen at home.

“My daughter loves to bake and she even has a personalized apron. They all did a great job and I’m proud of them,” she told Saipan Tribune.

In second place was second grader Abigail Decena, with her “Fruit Delight with Oatmeal Cookies,” which she learned from her mom Ella.

“I want to join again next year and hopefully win first place,” said Decena, 8.

School principal Martha Kintol commended all the students for coming up with healthy recipes.

“For these junior chefs to show interest at this age is something that I know is great and shows an encouraging message to other students. I have no doubt that the winners will represent our school well in the competition,” she added.