Things heat up in the kitchen for Delaware students and celebrity chefs

Three celebrity chefs made their way to a Delaware high school where a competition was brewing in the kitchen and culinary students whipped up a variety of signature dishes.

It was definitely an unusual Tuesday for some McKean High School students in Wilmington who spent part of it in the kitchen with three celebrity chefs. Chef Dana Herbert, known for his win on the reality show “Cake Boss,” chef Jennifer Behm, season 2 winner of “Master Chef,” and chef Julio Lazzarini, who has become a familiar face on the Food Network.

According to school Instructor and chef Julius Rosato, more than 30 culinary students participated in the competition that marked the opening of the school’s new kitchen and cafe.

“The kids are phenomenal, obviously they need a lot of coaching to get the stuff done but I see the desire to learn and eagerness to listen and follow instruction ,” said Lazzarini.

Lazzarini and his team were very creative during the first course segment of the battle, that’s when they made an entrée of pork loin, potatoes, pickled cauliflower, and grilled corn salsa with curry and coconut cream sauce.

11th grader Kassandre Sanchez who was under the guidance of chef Jennifer Behm says the competition was harder than she thought but is still looking forward to a future as a chef.

Despite the competition, Red Clay Superintendent Mervin Daugherty calls everyone a winner after testing some of the dishes.  “Knowing that the kids were involved with this gives it a special taste, everything was very good,” expressed Daugherty.

“I think the experience was amazing, I love working with kids,” said Behm.