Residents and their grandchildren took it to another culinary level during Laurel View Village’s (LVV) first Iron Chef’s competition held during the community’s annual Grandkids Camp!  Offered to grandchildren of residents and staff, the weeklong camp at the Davidsville, PA, community, offers fun activities and a variety of events including a bird and reptile show, movie night and a cupcake decorating class.

According to Kelsey Vann, Cura catering manager at LVV, the Chef’s Challenge was a huge success providing fun, as well as a little education, around food!   Styled after the Food Network’s popular “Iron Chef” show, two teams of five children (with two assisting adults) were challenged to prepare the best macaroni and cheese and dessert – cupcakes, of course!

Teams were given a head start with provisions including the macaroni and cheese sauce, freshly baked cupcakes and whipped cream.  The ultimate decision was to select only three ingredients that would help them to create an entrée and dessert deserving of top culinary honors!

Children selected from broccoli, bacon, onions, carrots, peas, ham, chicken, hot dogs, and chives.  While dessert options included chocolate chips, white chips, coconut flakes, sprinkles, Oreo cookies, buttercream and chocolate buttercream icing, and chocolate syrup.

Teams were led by Josh Truitt, Cura executive chef and Megan Heiser, baker (LVV staff) who competed against Kevin Shedlock, Cura director of dining and Josh Swalligan, Cura sous chef.  Teams were only given 15 minutes to prepare their entrée and dessert!  Once created, teams prepared a show plate for a panel of four LVV resident judges who awarded based on presentation and taste!

“It was a difficult decision, but we felt that Team Josh, along with their junior chefs, executed their dishes the best,” says Ms. Vann.  To the amusement of the children, Chef Kevin received a pie full of whipped cream!

The Chef’s Challenge demonstrates Cura’s LivingLife philosophy, a commitment to nourishing the body and spirits of our seniors.  “We believe our responsibility to our residents and guests goes beyond serving fresh, healthy and delicious food.    Through LivingLife, we offer activities and food entertainment events that increase socialization, wellness and memory support among older adults.  Most importantly, these activities enhance life around great food,” says, Shedlock.