Kids Cuisine

A few months ago, the National Mango Board held a kid’s cooking contest, Rising Mango Star. Of all the youngsters who submitted videos, three finalists were chosen travel to New York to compete against one another on August 8th.  The prize?  The chance to appear with Ingrid Hoffmann (from Simply Delicioso) on TV’s video magazine Health & Home Report.

Check out these aspiring chefs, ages 8-14. You can view the three finalists’ videos and recipes by clicking here. But, in brief and according to the press release,

The finalists were chosen based on their creativity, presentation, and, of course, their scrumptious mango creations:

• Dylan Beiersdorf created Dylan’s Mango Coconut Crisp, a delightful and refreshing dessert. This tasty dessert featuring fresh mango, brown sugar, oats, and coconut hits the spot for a sweet craving.
• Catherine Ralston’s Little Chica Mango Chicken isn’t your average chicken dish. Catherine puts the “chica chica” into the chicken with a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, honey, and ginger, which is then topped off with plenty of bright juicy mango.
• Dean Sturt’s Mangolicious Flip Flop Cake brings out the artist in any baker. This moist cake featuring fresh pureed mangos resembles a traditional upside down cake, but you will find a beautiful design of scrumptious mangoes on the plate instead!

All three seem quite creative and talented, not to mention cuties!  I have to say, though – I thought Catherine was the most animated, offered great tips, and had a pleasant camera presence.  But, I am not a judge.  Who did you like?