North Texas schools to compete in tailgate food competition
Nine schools in North Texas will face off at AT&T Stadium this weekend for a competition known as "Taste of the Cowboys Youth Challenge." Students in culinary programs will present a three course meal to judges who will be Dallas Cowboys alumni, chefs for Legends Hospitality and celebrities.
This year, students were given instructions to develop a menu of foods that would be served at tailgate parties but with a healthier recipe.
"Really with healthy foods, you try to reduce the food to its simplest form while keeping all the flavor," says Geoffrey Dobson, a junior at Arlington ISD's Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center. "For our appetizer, we're not allowed to add any sodium, so you have to find something that will still give it flavor while keeping it healthy. We looked into using limes which aren't traditionally seen as salty, but it can replace that flavor we're looking for."
Dobson says his team tried several different recipes to replace added salt, sugar or fat with items that can maintain the taste and texture of foods people would enjoy at a tailgate party.
"The recipe development process was a pretty long one," he says. "We changed recipes quite a few times, really just trying to hone in on the theme of the competition while making it our own food."
"Whatever constructive criticism, whatever feedback we give them, they're taking it and working with it," says culinary teacher Nelly Sanchez. "They're accepting it and making it their own."
Sanchez says a project like this gives students a chance to apply concepts they learn in class. She says they are using trial and error to narrow down recipes while also learning how different flavors might interact with each other and the needs of someone eating at a tailgate party compared to someone sitting in a restaurant.
"For chicken, we give them different ways of cooking it, maybe. They have an idea, we give them a few more ideas," she says. "We try to develop their ideas without cutting off their creativity."
Sanchez says the competition gives students a chance to work together while also learning about cooking. She says that is a skill they can use regardless of the type of career they choose.
"Growing up, I didn't have a school like this nearby, so it was really amazing for me when I got hired here to know they're offering this program to students for Arlington ISD," she says. "Whether they decide to do this as a career or not, they have an opportunity to learn a practical skill."
Dobson, though, says he does plan a career in cooking. He hopes to open a restaurant.
"This helps me with [research and development], That's really the important thing I've learned from this competition," he says.
Dobson says he would like to open a fine-dining restaurant and may choose to move to Europe.
"Would you introduce Europeans to Texas cuisine?" we asked him
"I was born and raised in Texas, so I think I would have to have some sort of Texas in my food no matter where I go," he answered.
At AT&T Stadium Saturday, judges will be served a three-course meal and vote on their favorite. Teams worked with concessions chefs for Legends Hospitality who work at AT&T Stadium, The Star in Frisco, Toyota Stadium and AT&T Discovery District.
Dairy MAX is also working with the Dallas Cowboys and says the event can highlight the need for nutritious donations to local food banks. Students who will be competing this weekend also prepared care packages this week at North Texas Food Bank.
In addition to Arlington ISD's Dan Diper Career and Technical Center, teams will participate from:
Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD – Ranchview High School
Cedar Hill ISD – Cedar Hill High School
Dallas ISD - Skyline High School
Dallas ISD – Thomas Jefferson High School
Frisco ISD – Frisco Career Technical Education Center – The Frisco Impastas
Lewisville ISD - Technology, Exploration and Career Center – West
Plano ISD – Plano East High School
Mansfield ISD – Ben Barber Innovation Academy
All schools competing will receive gift cards from Albertsons and Tom Thumb "to use in stocking their school kitchens." The winning team will receive a grant for its school.
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