Greetings from the Unquowa kitchen where we are all still basking in the glow of yet another fun and successful Iron Chef Unquowa competition. This fall’s challenge featured six fearless teams of Upper School students pitting their skills and recipes against each other and the clock. A prerequisite for submission of recipes was that they must include one local ingredient, as well as the use of Chef Peter’s secret ingredient, delicious peppers grown by our friends at Sport Hill Farm.

As the gong sounded to signal the starting of the clock, the kitchen erupted as the teams scrambled to gather all of their ingredients and necessary cooking wares. Those coming to witness the competition were rewarded with the sights and aromas of Sunday Sauce with Meatballs, Chicken and Vegetables, Maple Cumin Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Quesadillas with a Trio of Salsas, Corn Chowder, and Sesame Baked Chicken. At the end of the hour time limit, all dishes were expertly prepared and plated. After careful deliberation, Victoria and Brienne’s dish of Chicken and Vegetables emerged as the favorite dish of the panel of judges which was comprised of last year’s winners, Paul and Michael, and Unquowa Alums, Andres Ayala ‘10 and Tristan Schietinger ‘10.

All teams were inspirational in their collective dedication and hard work. As a reward and show of appreciation for their efforts, each recipe will make its way onto the school lunch menu for the enjoyment of all the students.