Statement as issued by Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast:

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 11 culinary student competitors and six 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 professional chefs. The mystery ingredients included a meat, a whole fish and a vegetable. During the student’s time in the kitchen they were judged by professional chefs on sanitation, organization and other kitchen skills. Baking and pastry students were charged with completing a decorated cake, preparing a chocolate dessert, a fruit dessert and a yeast bread. 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 France in May.

Student winners: Mark Crawford, Chad Rolli, Kathy Burner, Nicole Cherry, Mike Trabel, John Mullett and Ashley Haegert

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech serves nearly 200,000 students annually and has campuses throughout Indiana. It functions as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.