In conjunction with the American Culinary Federation (ACF), MARS Foodservices recently hosted the finals of the “Make It Mini—a Dessert Trio” competition at the ACF National Convention in Anaheim, Calif. Culinary instructor Curtis Smith from Spokane, Washington, was selected as the grand-prize winner for his Latin American-themed dessert platter, winning $2,000.
“Choosing a theme made it more fun for me since I had to research another culture rather than just doing something I’ve done before,” says Smith, who prepared Tres Postres Mexicanos—original TWIX “campurrado,” oaxaca chocolate peanut mocha cake, and roasted banana dulce de leche ice cream.
This tableside-style competition featured four national finalists who had each won in their respective regions, creating three mini dessert recipes incorporating TWIX Caramel Cookie Bars and TWIX Peanut Butter Cookie Bars.
Each dessert flight was judged on criteria, including mise-en-place, technique, showmanship, taste, and creativity.
