Love to cook? Come spice up yu life! IT IS common knowledge that most young people love music and they love to dance. But how many cook, or are interested in cooking, although they all love to eat? Food preparation is an interest that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) hopes to encourage in the young with the announcement this year of the Teen Spice Competition, which is being introduced as part of the Jamaica Spice food festival. According to Frances Yeo, General Manager of Events and Special Projects at the JTB, "Teen Spice is part of our ongoing efforts to directly include young people in our marketing and tourism awareness efforts here on the island. After all, they are the future movers and shakers of the industry." Ms. Yeo said the competition is open to youngsters in the age group 11-18 with entrants being divided into three categories. The first category is for students 11-12 years old. "The focus for this group is on the preparation of light refreshment and each participant is required to prepare and present a non-alcoholic drink and an entertainment or party item", she added. The drink should be made from fresh fruits and/or vegetables and may include spices while the entertainment or party item can be savoury or sweet, for example, pizza, sandwiches or muffins. The second category is designated for students in the 13-15 age group and the emphasis is on salads. Competitors are required to prepare and present one cooked and one fresh salad, made from Jamaican ingredients. The cooked salad should be made from food or vegetable, or a combination of items. It may be accompanied by a dressing. The fresh salad should be made from fruits or The third category of the competition is for students 16-18 years old. Competitors in this category must prepare and present a vegetarian dish and a fruit pie. The vegetarian dish must include Jamaican spices and the pie must be made from Jamaican fruits. Entries in all categories must be accompanied by complete recipes. Ms Yeo said the competition is open to children living in Jamaica "for at least one year". Dishes will be judged on originality, presentation, taste, use of colour, proportions and creativity as well as the provision of recipes and labels. A first, second and third place winner will be selected from each category. Prizes include cash and book grants, trophies, cook books and utensils among others. The finals will be held at the Jamaica Spice food festival on September 30.
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