DOWAGIAC — At 3 p.m. on t Valentine’s Day, teacher Andy Kruger’s high school culinary arts students put down their valentines and picked up a spatula to compete in the first annual Sodexo Culinary Throwdown.

Each team of three had two hours to plate a dish with a protein, starch, vegetable and a side salad. Deb Cahill, the district’s food service manager planned and hosted the event at the Dowagiac Middle School kitchen. Cahill also provided students with black chef coats and hats with an orange apron, theirs to keep. Each team also received prizes for competing in the event — high end pots and pans for second place and a professional electric mixer for first.

Team Chop It Like It’s Hot was awarded second place: Madison Helmuth, Deeana Lucio, and Alexa Scherer made steak and shrimp stir fry with vegetable rice.  The side salad had an avocado ranch dressing that Helmuth made.

Team the High Steakers:  Gabby Hodge, Drew Jarvis, and Mercedes Reese were awarded first place honors with a New York strip steak, grilled potatoes and green beans.  The side salad was a colorful cabbage and herb with a blood orange dressing created by Hodge.

“All students had a great time and did a very nice job,” said Kruger. “We are very lucky to have Ms. Cahill and Kelli Prak managing our district’s food services.  A lot of time and effort went in to make this event happen.”

Cahill said the event will be hosted again next year. (Submitted photos)