Preliminary Competition

C-CAP Cooking Competition for Scholarships is a four-step process. Check the Scholarship FAQs for more details:
1. Competition Application
2. Preliminary Competition
3. Final Competition
4. Interview

Preliminary Competition Requirements

Only culinary students who are selected to compete in the Preliminary Competition may take part. Students are expected to:

• Prepare a 3-egg French omelet from memory: Students must use the “stir and shake” method (see pp. 42-43 in At Home With the French Classics). Students may not consult a recipe during the competition.
• Demonstrate knife skills: Students will be tested on their execution of cuts such as julienne, dice, mince, and slice.
• Prepare a salad recipe from memory: Recipe is included in the packet for the Preliminary Competition.
• Clean own work area and equipment following the competition.

Students will be judged on:

• Knife skills: accuracy and technique
• Taste, appearance, and preparation of omelet and salad
  
• Knowledge and execution of safe and sanitary kitchen procedures
  
• Maintaining a clean and orderly station throughout the competition
  
• Poise and confidence in the kitchen and ability to handle routine pressure and maintain a positive attitude
  
• Application materials (previously submitted), including personal essay, letters of recommendation, and academic record from high school transcript

Students are responsible for bringing to the competition:

• A 6” or 8” omelet pan
• Fork and small bowl (to beat the eggs)
• Plastic or wooden spatula (to make the omelet)
• Chef’s and/or paring knife (for knife skills portion)

Please note:

• All food products will be provided at the host site.
• No additional garnishes are allowed.

Dress code:

• White chef’s jacket or apron
• Chef pants or loose-fitting black pants
• Rubber-soled, non-skid shoes
• Chef hats welcomed, though not necessary
• Neat hair, pulled back
• Minimal make-up
• Short, clean nails; no polish
• No jewelry (rings, earrings, tongue studs)
• No chewing gum

To prepare, students should practice, practice, practice!
Suggestions:
• Stay after school, if possible, to practice.
• Make omelets and practice knife cuts at home.
• Ask your local coordinator if a competition prep class has been arranged.

Final Competition

After the Preliminary Competition, your local C-CAP coordinator will notify you by letter if you have been selected to compete in the Final Competition.