Meet Esmeralda, 3rd Place Winner of the 2024 Cook-Off

The 2024 K12 National Cook-Off was a culinary showdown, spotlighting the incredible talents of young chefs from across the country. Held at the Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington, Virginia, this year’s final competition was fierce—but one young chef stood out: Esmeralda, an 11th grader from Indiana Digital Learning School, claimed an impressive 3rd place finish!

Chef Esmeralda’s Winning Dish Stole the Show

In the final round of the K12 Cook-Off, the six student finalists drew cards to determine the protein and side dishes that they would incorporate into their entrees. Chef Esmeralda drew salmon as her protein, with linguini, spinach, and bell peppers as her side components.

The result? A showstopper. Chef Esmeralda’s dish—Herb-Crusted Salmon—captivated the judges with its perfect balance of flavors and stunning presentation. The salmon was tender and flavorful, and her creative use of the side ingredients took the dish to the next level. With each element executed perfectly, it’s no wonder her creation wowed the judges.

A Culinary Star in the Making

Chef Esmeralda’s achievement is a testament to her hard work, creativity, and passion for cooking. Earning 3rd place in such a prestigious competition—along with a $350 cash prize—is no small feat! We’re certain this is just the beginning of Chef Esmeralda’s culinary journey, and we can’t wait to see what delicious dishes she’ll serve up next!

Try Esmeralda’s dish at home!

Think you’ve got what it takes to recreate Esmeralda’s Herb-Crusted Salmon? Now’s your chance! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and see if you can capture the flavors that made Chef Esmeralda’s dish a standout. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to enter the 2025 K12 Cook-Off! 🍽️👩‍🍳

How to Enter K12 National Competitions

Interested in showcasing your own skills? Find out how you can participate in the next K12 national competition by visiting enrichment.k12.com. And don’t forget to follow the K12 Student Instagram channel to stay updated on all the exciting student activities!

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