A chocolate house made by Milton resident Ching Chan received the Chef Eugene Mattucci Best of Show Award in the annual Food Show at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Chan is a student in the college’s baking and pastry arts major. Her chocolate house, complete with chocolate shingles, wreath and strings of Christmas lights, was among 11 made by students in a Principles of Chocolate Works course and sold during a silent auction at the event, held Dec. 6. Funds from the auction are given to Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity.
The Best of Show Award is named for the late chef/owner of Mattucci’s Italian Restaurant in Mount Carmel, who was a longtime Penn College advisory committee member and Food Show judge.In addition to chocolate houses, students displayed final works from a variety of culinary, baking and pastry arts courses, including cakes, desserts, sugar art, hors d’oeuvre trays, classically prepared entrees and sculpted centerpieces.
The projects were judged by Michael Davis, executive chef for Susquehanna Health, Williamsport Regional Medical Center; Elizabeth Long-Furia, owner of Elizabeth’s An American Bistro, Lewisburg; and Tony Sapia, owner of Gemelli Bakers, State College.
Winners and their hometowns are:
Advanced Garde Manger (hors d’oeuvre): First place, Dena R. Bierly, of New Columbia, and Colleen S. Masteller, of Williamsport; second place, Cody M. Yonkin, of South Williamsport, and Jessica M. Warr, of Beech Creek.
Artistic Buffet Decoration:
Ice sculptures: First place, Kyle H. Abel, of Danielsville, and Megan E. McCaslin, of Trout Run; second place, Samantha-Jo M. Bradley, of Middlebury Center, and Amy E. Lynn, of Bloomsburg.
Tallow: First place, Katelyn E. Paulhamus, of Montoursville; second place, Holly J. Cross, of Beaver Springs; third place, Hannah E. Marquis, of Olney, Md.
Cakes and Decorations: First place, Kristina M. Williams, of South Williamsport; second place, Kelsey L. Park, of Bellefonte; third place, Liliana M. Strunk, of Avis; honorable mention, Maria K. Maneval, of Richfield; honorable mention, Kendra J. Riggle, of Montoursville; honorable mention, Lynnette F. Stegmaier, of Muncy Valley.
Classical Cuisines of the World: First place, Anthony G. Donofrio, of State College; second place, Kyle H. Abel, of Danielsville; third place, Patrick J. Kelly, of Muncy.
Classical and Specialty Dessert Presentation: First place, Ching Chan, of Milton; second place, Lewis D. Robinson, of Bellefonte; third place, Kirsten E. Foti, of Landing, N.J.; honorable mention, Nicole C. LoFurno, of Glen Mills; and honorable mention, Lauren H. Case, of Painted Post, N.Y.
Principles of Chocolate Works: First place (and Best of Show) Ching Chan, of Milton; second place, Hanna A. Thompson-Hill, of Millheim; third place, Briana L. Klingler, of Port Matilda; honorable mention: Lauren H. Case, of Painted Post, N.Y.
Sugar Art: First place, Tiffany A. Edwards, of Athens; second place, Kelly E. Rockwell Renk, of Montoursville; third place, Shannon L. Barr, of Williamsport; honorable mention, Brandi L. Davis, of Watsontown.
To learn more about baking, pastry and culinary arts majors at Penn College, call 570-327-4505. For more about the college, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.