GRAND CANE, La. — A team of junior chefs from DeSoto Parish is making history after cooking their way to a state title.
The Menu Masters, an all-boy culinary team made up of fifth and sixth-graders from three different schools, captured the Division 1 4-H state championship.
The achievement marks the first time an all-boys team has competed in the event, traditionally dominated by larger parishes.
The competition structure mirrors the television show Chopped. Teams receive a secret ingredient and have 40 minutes to prepare a dish.
In addition to cooking, the students must write and deliver a presentation to a panel of judges. The presentation covers cost analysis, food safety precautions, dish preparation, and nutritional knowledge based on the federal MyPlate guidelines.
The state championship caps off a successful season for the group following wins at the regional heat and the Northern Regional competition.