Top culinary professionals from the healthcare industry will compete in the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF) 2011 Culinary Competition held in conjunction with its annual conference in Phoenix, on June 7 at the Arizona Biltmore. Five competing teams will demonstrate their exceptional culinary talent and creativity, representative of the healthcare industry. Each team will have the challenge to utilize two ingredients provided by conference sponsor Tyson™ Food Service and create an appealing and nutritious entrée complete with side dishes, sauces and garnishes.
 
Kathleen Daelemans, host of "Cooking Thin" on Food Network, author of Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen, 200 Easy Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss and Getting Thin and Loving Food, 200 Easy Recipes to Take You Where You Want to Be! said, “It is truly my pleasure to participate in an event that raises the bar for healthcare foodservice. AHF’s culinary competition is a perfect illustration of healthcare foodservice having a positive impact and making a statement about the entire facility.”

Each of the five selected culinary teams will be composed of a healthcare chef and their facility director. The actual competition has a format similar to Food Network challenges. There is a time limit of 75 minutes to prepare, cook and present the entrée and sides.

The winning dish must fit within the stated nutritional guidelines — cost under $5 to produce, and of course be delicious. These teams and their dishes will be judged on use of texture and color; originality; and plate presentation. The top three winners will be awarded prizes by Tyson™ Food Service and medals from AHF. 

Visit www.healthcarefoodservice.org.