24 students who qualified as "Advanced Chefs" by attending the Chopped Jr. cooking camp at least once prior to this year's camp competed on teams to win the Chopped Jr. 2026 Contests. The four-day camp offered several opportunities for teams to avoid being "Chopped" by guest judges.
This year's recipes were especially difficult in the appliances that the chefs were given to cook their assigned dishes in for each challenge. Some were in air fryers, instant pots, microwaves, mini ovens, griddles, hot plates, and electric skillets.
Making new foods that students will want to prepare for their families is part of the challenge for the camp planning. Fruits and vegetables are always on the menu. Fruit salsas, fruit sculptures, and fruit skewers were made with creative success this year. Five types of roasted vegetables were prepared and enjoyed by all. The final day was devoted to five different chocolate cake recipes. Did you know cakes can be baked in an air fryer?
Many thanks to the adult and student assistants, Petite Garrett, Candy Powers, Brylee Beasley, Deivion Davis, and Brittany Waters. Thanks also to our judges, Ms. April, Mr. James, Ms. Wendi, Mr. Matt, Ms. Raven, and Mr. Rhett.
Chopped Jr. and Chopped Jr. Advanced is sponsored by Family Connection as part of our strategy work for improving childhood nutrition.
This project is funded by the Mill Creek Foundation.
