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Seven aspiring chefs with a love and passion for food put their kitchen skills to the test as they competed for tuition scholarships at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California, a college of Argosy University, San Francisco.

In the end, there could only be one winner — Taylor Markin, a senior at Happy Camp High School in Siskiyou County at the top of California took the title of The Art Institute of California, San Francisco Best Teen Chef 2012.

During the April 21 cook-off competition, the competitors were asked to showcase their talent and skill by preparing and serving a two-course meal in just two hours.

The meal consisted of a Sautéed Breast of Chicken with Creative Garnish, Rice Pilaf and Broccoli Sauté. Competitors were judged on technical skills, including knife skills, safety, sanitation, organization, cooking techniques and cleanup, and five specific qualities of the finished dishes: temperature, taste, texture, portion size and presentation.

In addition to the title, Markin will be awarded a $4,000 tuition scholarship toward a culinary degree program at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California, San Francisco.

Markin says her family and friends are very supportive and are excited for her. She gives particular credit to her mother.

”My mom taught me to cook and she is my greatest inspiration,” said Markin.

Chef Mark Davis, academic director of the culinary
department at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California, San Francisco, said Markin was the clear winner.

”We were very impressed by all the high school seniors who competed … this year; their passion and enthusiasm for the culinary arts is inspiring,” said Davis. “But Taylor really stood out with a stellar performance.”