Culinary Students Create Culinary Delights During Orlando’s First Cookie Crumb Rumble

A group of student chefs have been working diligently since mid-December to create unique recipes for Orlando’s first Cookie Crumb Rumble challenge. Recently, six student chefs, studying culinary arts at the Culinary Training Program at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, presented their masterpieces to a group of distinguished judges.

Looking to add a little spice to the upcoming cookie season, Girl Scouts of Citrus invited co-collaborator and community partner, Second Harvest Food Bank, to participate in this fun event. The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program provides qualified, at-risk and economically disadvantaged adults with the culinary and life skills training needed to pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. The 16-week program is provided at no charge.

“The Culinary Training Program is about making a lasting impact on those seeking a second or even a third change at life, while helping to shorten the line of need in our community,” said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “It’s about changing lives.”

In addition to providing students with the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Cookie Crumb Rumble recipe challenge, the cook-off also gave a group of Girl Scouts the opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to career options in the culinary arts. Building on the love of creating a new recipe, student chefs, spent weeks perfecting their recipes in anticipation of presenting them to the scrutiny of the judges.

On competition day, the kitchen was full of activity and anticipation was high as Girl Scouts paired off with each of the student chefs to prepare their recipe for presentation to the judges. The cook-off was not only a learning opportunity for the student chefs, but it also helped to build confidence in their abilities as they prepare to enter the workforce.

“This contest provided a great learning opportunity for our students to be creative, collaborative and hone their skills in baking and pastry,” said Chef Israel Santiago, chef instructor at Second Harvest. “Partnerships with organizations like Girl Scouts of Citrus helps build confidence and prepare students for future career success.”

The decision was difficult, and all the student chefs created amazing recipes. The winning recipe, ‘Remix Lemonades Strawberry’, is a mini-cheesecake featuring Lemonades and fresh strawberries. Charity Brown drew upon her love for baking and fond memories of her time as a Girl Scout Brownie to create the recipe. Hear about her culinary journey and more about her winning dish in the video below.