Snack Masters turn to their brains to trot out treats to tantalize tastebuds

Event participants brought the ingredients for a pre-approved healthy snack that they prepared onsite for judges to taste and rank. Awards were given for individual and group winners, and superlatives for Most Refreshing Bite, Most Creative Name, Best Bite and People’s Choice.

There were 41 Jackson County Public School students participating, ranging in grade level from kindergarten through 8th grade.

Competition judges were Superintendent Dana Ayers, School Board Chair Elizabeth Cooper, board member Abigail Clayton, Blue Ridge Elementary Principal Kheri Cowan and Blue Ridge School Assistant Principal Zachary Eden.

Winners received their choice of several varieties of available cooking kits. All participants received a chef’s hat, apron, whisk and spatula.

Winning recipes

The individual winner was second-grader Emma Metcalf from Cullowhee Valley Schools with the recipe “Rainbow Spritzer.” The recipe calls for ½ cup of blueberries, ½ cup peeled kiwi, ½ cup chopped pineapple, ½ cup raspberries, 1 cup ginger ale, ½ cup unsweetened pineapple juice and ½ cup lemonade. Layer the fruit in clear plastic cups, mix ginger ale, pineapple juice and lemonade. Pour over fruit and serve with a fork.

The group winner was comprised of seventh-graders Kaneya Simpson and Eddie Ponce from Smokey Mountain Elementary School with the recipe “Juan in a Million.” The recipe calls for ½ fresh squeezed lime, ½ fresh squeezed lemon, eight mashed avocados, two cans of green chilies, ½ cup diced onion, ½ tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. minced garlic, dash of hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Combine mashed avocados with other ingredients. Serve with chips.

Additional winners and superlatives 

Best Bite – Emanuel and Estrella Ramirez, fifth grade,  Cullowhee Valley, 

                   “Tropical Hydra.” 

People’s Choice – Isom Hames, third grade, Blue Ridge School, 

                              “Banana Split.” 

Most Creative – Bentley Sargent third grade, Fairview, 

                           “Jungle Banilla Sandwich.” 

Most Refreshing Bite – Carolyn Bullock and Jordyn Eaddy, fifth grade, 

                                       Cullowhee Valley, “CB & J Crepe Bite” 

Best Presentation – Paisley Nations, third grade, Scotts Creek, 

                                “Paisley’s Mini Make and Take Jars.”