Connie Jenkins Wins Triple Awards, Including Best of Show at International Culinary Competition

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. October 14, 2008

(Scottsdale, AZ, August 19, 2005) Connie Jenkins won triple awards at the 2005 Las Vegas International Hotel & Restaurant Show: Best of Show for her chocolate showpiece awarded as Judges' Trophy, Pastry; Bronze Award for chocolate candies and Silver for the chocolate showpiece.

Member of the Pastry Faculty at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jenkins chose to research uses of chocolate from the Aztec culture for her showpieces. Noting that Montezuma, himself, consumed 50 cups of chocolate per day, Jenkins researched uses of chocolate in the Mexican culture and created these award-winning candy selections: Orange/Cajeta Caramels dipped in milk chocolate; Cracked Pepper and Pignoli Nougat dipped in dark chocolate; Chocolate Chili Truffles; Coconut Truffles with raspberry enrobed in white chocolate; Guava/Raspberry Jellies on dark chocolate disk; Gianduja Crisps in milk chocolate.

First-time entrant in any competition, Jenkins was astounded at the results from her participation. A woman who always loved to make cakes and candies, Jenkins complemented from her original career as housewife when she fell in love with pastry baking at a Wilton class she took at Montgomery Ward. Recognition of Jenkins' talent by the district manger of Wilton occasioned Jenkins to continue with advanced classes. Jenkins did the OJT method in varied Phoenix resorts until assuming her current role at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute.

Jenkins delights in working with colleagues and students who share her enthusiasm. Competition and creativity are constant professional challenges: "We appeal to the senses: eyes, ears, mouth and head. Food is a sensual business."

Jenkins admits: "There's a balance between pleasing the customer, using the best ingredients and working in a efficient way to produce results in a timely fashion while keeping costs down. Students at SCI are on a learning curve. They have to learn to work on the line too. "

Jenkins is doing her part to promote the WOW factor. Candidly she states: "I had hoped to win but never thought about it. I went for the experience."

She had been warned before the competition: "Never underestimate your competitor because they are going to go all the way." Going all the way is de rigeur for Jenkins! For further information about Jenkins, contact: [email protected].