Douglas High student takes second at national cook-off

Douglas High School junior Amanda Soto proved that she could handle the heat of a national culinary competition.

She took first runner-up in the dessert category at Johnson & Wales University's 20th annual High School Chef of the Year competition, which was Saturday in North Miami, Fla.

It was Soto's White Chocolate Hazelnut Surprise that impressed a panel of judges and won her a $7,500 renewable tuition scholarship to JWU and an autographed cookbook from JWU alumnus and celebrity chef Tyler Florence.

The Florida Strawberry Growers Association also awarded a scholarship to high school juniors and seniors whose entries included the most creative use of strawberries. Soto won the second runner-up prize in the strawberry category, a $1,000 scholarship.

Soto competed against nine other high school students in the dessert category. Finalists were selected from 580 entries from high school juniors and seniors. Each dish was judged on overall quality; flavor, taste, texture and doneness; presentation; creativity; mise en place; sanitation and cooking techniques.

Details on the Chef of the Year competition are available at http://chefcontest.jwu.edu.