Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program (PAMP) is always looking for new and interesting ways to educate both consumers and the culinary community about Pennsylvania apples. So when the opportunity presented itself to work with a local community college on a culinary contest for its students, PAMP knew they had a program they could grow.
"The Pennsylvania Apple Cookery Challenge gave us the opportunity to educate tomorrow’s chefs on the versatility of Pennsylvania apples and apple products," said Karin Rodriguez, executive director for the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program. “And at the same time, we acquired new and original recipes that capture the creativity and enthusiasm of the culinary students.”
The planning for the contest began in February and the students enrolled in Harrisburg Area Community College’s (HACC) Hospitality and Tourism Department programs were invited to submit their own original recipes that showcased Pennsylvania apples and apple products. Sixty-nine recipes were submitted for consideration in five categories – breakfast, appetizer, side dish, entrée, and dessert – and 15 were chosen to participate in the finals (three in each category). In addition to their use of apples and apple products, recipes were judged on creativity, overall taste and appeal, and ease of preparation.
Each finalist received a cash prize, provided by PAMP, and the recipes will be featured on the PAMP website and in other publicity materials.
The Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program also presented a $2,500 check to the Olewine Culinary Scholarship Program at HACC.
The Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program is a commodity marketing program established by the Commodity Marketing Act of 1968. The program is funded by apple growers and governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is composed of growers from various regions of the state and a representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The website is www.pennsylvaniaapples.org.
Source: Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program