Each January, the Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast Department of Hospitality Administration conducts a “Mystery Basket Competition” for students who would like to participate and possibly earn a spot in the college’s trip to study culinary arts abroad in the spring.

This year’s competition featured 13 culinary student competitors and 7 baking and pastry student competitors. Culinary students were given four hours to write a menu utilizing three mystery ingredients, cook the menu, and then serve it to a panel of three professional chefs. During the student’s time in the kitchen they were judged by two additional professional chefs on sanitation, organization, and other kitchen skills. Baking and pastry students were charged with completing a decorated cake, preparing a pie, yeast rolls, and biscuits. These students were also judged by a panel of professional pastry chefs.

Standards for judging are set by the department’s accrediting body, the American Culinary Federation. This year’s winners will be traveling to Spain in May. One of the culinary judges, Michel Bouit, organizes the trips through his European travel company, The World of MBI.

Student winners: Aaron Bremer, Krista Osterlund, Chris Karrick, Riley Hull, Renee Dickerson, Katy Gensic, Jenna Fields, and Joe Franklin

For additional information on the “Mystery Basket Competition”, contact Jeff Bunting, department chair of hospitality administration, at 260-481-2240 or jbunting1@ivytech.edu.