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Meet Nadia, 1st Place Winner of the 2024 Cook-Off!

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Nadia cooking in the Cook Off 25

Meet Nadia, 1st Place Winner of the 2024 Cook-Off!

The 2024 K12 National Cook-Off was a culinary spectacle that showcased the incredible talents of young chefs from across the country. This year’s final showdown at the Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington, Virginia, brought intense competition, but one chef truly rose above the rest: Nadia, a 9th grader from Insight School of Washington, who claimed the coveted title of 2024 K12 National Cook-Off Champion!

winner food

Chef Nadia’s Winning Dish Stunned the Judges

In the final round, the six student finalists drew cards to determine the protein and side dish ingredients they’d incorporate into their entrees. Chef Nadia was tasked with chicken breast as her protein and farro, asparagus, and mushrooms as her side dishes.

The result? A masterpiece. Chef Nadia’s winning dish—Parmesan-Crusted Chicken—captivated the judges with its flawless balance of flavors and beautiful presentation. The chicken was tender and juicy with a perfectly crispy crust, while her creative use of the sides added depth and complexity to the dish. Her precision and originality truly made her entrée a standout.

Nadia Photo with dessert
Nadia receiving the award

A Culinary Star in the Making

Chef Nadia’s victory is a testament to her passion, creativity, and dedication in the kitchen. Her first-place win, along with a grand prize of $1,000, marks just the beginning of what is sure to be a promising culinary journey. We can’t wait to see what delicious creations she’ll whip up next!

Try Chef Nadia’s award-winning dish at home!

Think you can recreate Nadia’s showstopping Parmesan-Crusted Chicken? Now’s your chance to put your culinary skills to the test! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and see if you can capture the flavors that made her the 2024 champion. Who knows—you might even find yourself inspired to compete in the 2025 K12 Cook-Off! 🍽️👩‍🍳

How to Enter K12 National Competitions

Interested in showcasing your own skills? Find out how you can participate in the next K12 national competition by visiting enrichment.k12.com. And don’t forget to follow the K12 Student Instagram channel to stay updated on all the exciting student activities!