‘Top Chef’ youth winner wants to be a ‘real’ one

• Judges

From left “Top Chef” judges Rhonda Mann and Brooke Dusk from Anchor Bank judge Brittney Eckes’ strawberry meringue pie. After judging was completed, Eckes won the Youth Division. Top Chef, organized by Linda Tennis, made its debut at Strawberry Fest and plans are in the wings for next year’s contest. (Bulletin photo by Judy Spooner)

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With a win in the Top Chef youth division under her belt, Brittney Eckes, 14, is more convinced than ever that she’ll be heading for culinary school after high school.

She won with her strawberry meringue pie.

At 4 years old, Brittney and her sister, Elizabeth, got an Easy Bake Oven that sparked an interest in cooking, according to their mother, Becky.

“Now Brittney cooks everything from cookies to pies to chicken Kiev and apple raisin pork chops,” Becky said.

The first Top Chef competition during Cottage Grove’s Strawberry Fest was held Friday, June 19, at Kingston Park. Linda Tennis, organizer, said 18 people entered the contest, which had a general category for youth and five categories for adults. “That’s pretty good for the first year,” said Tennis while making notes for next year’s contest.

Entries in both classes, with all recipes having to include strawberries, included summer strawberry lemonade cupcakes, strawberry spinach salad and strawberry stuffed French toast.

Judges included Rhonda Mann and Brooke Dusk from Anchor Bank, Washington County Board Chair Myra Peterson and Joyce Gieser, caterer.

“I never get sick of strawberries,” Gieser said.

Mann said all the entries tasted very good.

Top winners in each category got a “Top Chef 2009” on it and $50 gift cards. The top five winners got medallions and second-place winners got $25 gift cards and embroidered dishtowels.

Winners in the first ‘Top Chef’ contest

Youth Division

1st Place – Brittney Eckes –

Strawberry Meringue Pie

2nd Place – Grace Roger –

Summer Pizza

3rd Place – Strawberry Lemonade

Cupcakes

4th Place – Ana Dailey – Strawberry

Mice & Cheese

5th Place – Amanda Danielson –

Strawberry Nut Bread

Jams/Jellies

1st Place – Anna Elliott – Strawberry

Rhubarb Jam

Appetizers/Side Dish

1st Place – Jeanette Hynnek –

Strawberry Spinach Salad

2nd Place – Marjorie Williams – Brie

Quesadillas with Strawberry Salsa

3rd Place – Brent Thoemke & Tom

Kane – Strawberry Mozzarella Plate

Cakes

1st Place – Brent Thoemke & Tom

Kane – Strawberry Shortcake

2nd Place – Bob Byerly – Cathy’s

Strawberry Angel Cake

Pies

1st Place – Brent Thoemke & Tom Kane – Strawberry Yogurt Cream Pie

2nd Place – Marjorie Williams –

Strawberry Cream Pie

Breads

1st Place – Meri Danielson –

Strawberry Bread

Main Dish

1st Place – Brent Thoemke & Tom

Kane – Grilled Salmon with

Pineapple/Strawberry Salsa

2nd Place – Jessica Roberts –

French Toast

3rd – Marjorie Williams – Strawberry

Glazed Pork

Tags: strawberry fest, cottage grove, local news, news, cooking