Pastry Live – 2012 Student Chocolate Challenge Winners Announced

Aug. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- Pastry Live is proud to announce that Rebecca Schappell of the Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts is the first place winner of the Student Chocolate Challenge.  Showpieces were critiqued based on overall artistic appeal and creativity, as well as on the level and amount of technique shown.

In the Student Chocolate Challenge, culinary students competed for the chance to win prizes and recognition for their school. Student competitors were given one hour to display their chocolate tempering skills and assemble their showpieces in front of the judges. To offer more students the opportunity to enter and allow schools to come together in a friendly, competitive environment, the competition was opened up to all schools this year.  

While seven highly-trained pastry students from schools across the country competed, it was Rebecca Schappell’s showpiece which was awarded the grand prize. Her showpiece’s clean work and level of technical skill earned her high marks overall from the judges. Her piece contained a precise attention to detail, with a nature theme evident in the tiniest elements, including hand shaped chocolate mushrooms and accent pieces.

Second place went to Monica Jacks of Platt College - Moore Campus, for her vibrant showpiece which received praise amongst the judges for its visual appeal. Brittany Bortz, also from the Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts, was awarded third place for her showpiece which featured expertly shaped autumn leaves as the focal point of the piece.

Also showing exceptional commitment and professionalism through their showpieces were competitors Laura Lane, Toni Pinon, Stephanie Schlieman and Kadi Waller. Each represented their respective schools well and should be highly proud of their accomplishments.

Pastry Live wishes to congratulate each of the winners as well as thank all of the competitors for their determination, hard work and participation.

For more details about Pastry Live and the Student Chocolate Challenge competition, please contact Event Producer Paul Bodrogi at chef@pastrylive.com or (678) 881-9490. Further information is also available on our website at www.pastrylive.com.