I have made it no secret in my publications and on the podcast that I have been in the hospitality industry for most of my career. After working for several fine-dining restaurants, I have developed a refined palate, not only for wine but also for food. I was excited to hear that the STEM Academy was hosting a chili cook-off! There’s no denying it: I am a foodie at heart!
Here is another thing I cannot deny: I am an opportunist when finding stories on campus and food. If your event includes food, free or otherwise, this editor will certainly try to be there. The other, more important, reason why I wanted to attend was because STEM is an integral part of our college. They are our fellow Red Barons and The Crier will always be there to empower them too. In my one-and-a-half semesters on campus, I have come to know a good number of STEM students. I can tell that some of my new friends and acquaintances will go on to do wonderful things in their lives. Varying maturity levels aside, some have shown they have a passion and aptitude for math and science. Passion plus a hard work ethic plus a positive mindset will equal success. It is incumbent upon every Red Baron to help and support each other in our educational endeavors. The Crier is there for that.
What I did not know about going into this event was that it was a PTO event. My mother and stepfather never really had time for the PTO when I was in school, and I don’t have school-aged children yet, so I was unfamiliar with what PTO does. I had an opportunity to speak with PTO President Jason Robertshaw about their efforts to support their STEM Academy students. Jason and the STEM student council host various family-focused fundraising events throughout the school year to fund various projects for the students and teachers, such as Prom and Teachers Appreciation Week. These are parents who take an active interest and role in their student’s education. That was heartwarming to see tonight. These are students who are simultaneously completing high school and getting their associate’s degree in some science or technical program. A lot is being asked of them and they need support. When they head off to their next school or Continuing Education in their career field they will need to take an active interest in their own education. Take it from someone who has been to college three times, it is far from easy to be accountable to oneself outside the bounds of the STEM Academy.
I arrived just as parents and students were lining up to get their bowls and plates. Five entries for the chili competition and five entries for cornbread. The 1st and 2nd place awards were handmade by the PTO president himself. If I had to guess, I would say around 25-30 students with their parents or guardians were all tasting and judging the lineup. A good turnout, especially in the small classroom where the event was held. I will give you my tasting notes below. Two things to consider before you read them: 1) taste is subjective, and 2) I may have messed up the numbering for the cornbread so I apologize in advance.
Chili Line-Up:
Rustic and hearty, deep flavors with a woody-like characteristic, slightly sweet and spicy on the back end.
A mostly ground beef entry. Heavy spiced and savory. Smoky and zesty. My personal favorite!
Soup-like texture, garlic, and onion forward, bits of small beans and corn.
Watery and bland, lacked salt. It did have a touch of what I thought was basic taco seasoning coupled with a bit of an oily texture.
Chunks of tender roast beef and soft tomato in a rich brown sauce. Roasted after-taste like chocolate or coffee.
Cornbread Like-Up:
Savory Southern style with a dollop of honey butter slathered on the top.
Another savory entry, dotted with corn kernels and a crunchy baked top
Large dense muffin and slightly sweet. Perfect crumb and bite. My favorite!
Spongy and lightly sweet. Perfect crust on the bottom. Cast iron prepared (the only way to make cornbread in my not-so-humble opinion). A classic entry.
Less of a bread and more of a custard. Filled with yellow sweet corn and plenty of sugar. A perfect Thanksgiving side dish! Need this recipe.
Winners:
Second place chili: 5
First place chili: 1
Second place cornbread: 5
First place cornbread: 4
I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the spirited atmosphere in the room. It looked like the bake sale was successful and some pumpkins went home as works of art. Thank you to STEM Academy for letting The Crier in on your fun activities. Congrats to the families that won! Congrats to the STEM students who are working hard in their programs and finding some time to have fun. Shout out to Emma for connecting me with Ms. Kristin Miller, and to Gabriel, Keenen, Brandon, and Nora. It was good to see a few of my STEM friends there!
Don’t forget to check out my reel of the event on our new Instagram!
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