CCAP Arizona's Final Competition of 2019 is set for Saturday, March 9. You need to arrive at Paradise Valley High School, 3950 E. Bell Road, Phoenix 85032, no later than 8:30 a.m. to check in. Competition is set to begin at 9 a.m., promptly.
Competing in CCAP's finals requires only that you master the techniques needed to produce two plates of chicken chasseur and two of pastry-cream filled dessert crepes. With chocolate sauce, thanks.
You will be using CCAP founder Richard Grausman's own recipes. He does know them perfectly, so you need to memorize these recipes. (PS - Mr. Grausman also knows exactly how these dishes should taste. And, yes. He can tell,)
You also need to practice them sufficiently to develop your own timeline in order to complete everything within the required limits.
(TIP: You can write out the timeline and keep it in your equipment box.
There are no hacks, no "back doors," and no short cuts.
There are, however, plenty of tips that can give you a head start (and if you're not willing to practice, this can be your "heads up").
Recipes can be downloaded from: www.takepart.com/sites/default/files/Pressure-Cooker-Competition-Recipes.pdf
* Follow the recipes! Exactly. The only place for creativity in the Final Competition is in plating. Recipes must be followed as they are written.
* Make sure you bring ALL equipment that you need to the finals (make a list ahead of time!). You can only use what you bring; absolutely no borrowing or sharing. You will need two (2) saute pans (one for chicken, one for crepes).
* Make sure your kitchen uniform is correct, including proper footwear (NO tennis shoes.) When you arrive at Finals, you will receive a CCAP jacket, an apron, and a hat.
Your hair must be completely contained in the hat (no escaping curls or tendrils, no matter how cute it looks). Minimal to no makeup, no jewelry, no perfume or body spray (no detectable scent). Guys, please shave - no beards, no 'stache. In other words - absolutely no facial hair.
NO GUM. No fingernail polish; no fake fingernails.
* You must bring your own chicken stock and chicken glaze. Please check your recipes for this! All other food items will be provided (see your recipes).
* Here's what you'll have on your mise: Strawberries will be provided to garnish your crepe (optional) (BIG tip: if you garnish with a berry, you better figure out how you're putting some berry into your dish). Olive oil, clarified butter, cold butter and russets will be provided.
* You will also have a chicken breast for your chicken chasseur. Please note that sizes of the chicken breast may vary; adjust your cooking times accordingly.
* Make sure you are using cornstarch in your pastry cream (no flour).
* You will make two plates of chicken chasseur and two plates of crepes: one for judges' tasting and one for presentation.
* Presentation plates from CCAP will be provided. These plates will be yours to keep after competition.
* TEACHERS HAVE A FULL LIST OF ALL CCAP SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. ASK FOR IT!!! (why do you want this list? Because, say you have an aunt who lives in Atlanta. If she can help with housing or any other way, maybe you could win the scholarship to Atlanta's Art Institute!)
* Lunch will be provided.
*You will receive a definite time for your personal interview with CCAP. This interview will take place in person, unless a phone interview is absolutely necessary. Please check with Ms. Leslie or with Ms. Jill.
Finally - keep an eye out for a few more tips on finals. Coming soon in this space.
