Consumer Science students cook their way through National Rice Month
Sep 21, 2016
LAKE CHARLES, LA – Yesterday, the Calcasieu-Cameron Rice Growers Association sponsored its 19th annual National Rice Month Cook-Off followed by a luncheon hosted by the Port of Lake Charles.
Sixteen Family and Consumer Science students from area middle and high schools competed in the cook-off. Each participant received an electric rice cooker from Farmers Rice Mill here, and the Louisiana Rice Growers Association provided the contestants with a one-pound bag of Louisiana-grown Jasmine rice.
“Although our growers are just coming off one of the most challenging harvests in memory because of the floods and rain, we are always excited to see young folks interested in rice and it’s place on the menu,” said Adam Habetz, president of the Cal-Cam RGA.
Kiera Welker of S.J. Welsh Middle School took first place with her Shrimp Rice Patties with Gravy. Second place went to Rachael McVey of Iowa High School for Crawfish Dressing, and third place to Makayla Hodge of South Beauregard High School for Seafood Casserole. Evie Talbert Moss of Bluff Middle School won “Heart Healthy” recognition for her Black-Eyed Pea Jambalaya.