April 2, 14 Wing Mission Support Squadron’s Replenishment Flight organized what started as a typical PD (professional development) day for flight members at the Annapolis Café: a morning presentation and lecture on dietary, health and nutritional information.
But, that afternoon, things started to heat up with a friendly “black box” cooking competition.
Fun, innovative and interactive, the kitchen crew sharpened their skill sets and broadened knowledge, battling it out to for the challenge trophy and, more importantly, “bragging rights.”
Replenishment Flight staff divided into four teams of six, tasked with a set time to prepare five separate dishes: two main courses, a soup, a salad and a dessert; using provided ingredients. Each team had the option to use the potentially risky “black box” ingredient, a mystery item that, if used in every dish, could win them more points.
Throughout the competition, collective and individual skills were on full display, as team members collaborated to create the best possible dishes. Under the guidance of a team leader, each chef brought something special to the table: some chefs had an inclination towards sauces, others towards desserts, making the soup, fileting…. Showcasing the flight staff’s collective dedication, talent and passion; an impressive array of incredible dishes included roasted asparagus cream soup, shrimp and cucumber citrus salad, sweet and smoky chicken and strawberry kiwi sorbet.
After the in-kitchen time elapsed, teams presented their dishes to five judges, with the envious task of sampling dishes in an hour-long challenge of their own. They scored the dishes based on various criteria; numbers were tallied and the winning team was announced.
Chief Petty Officer Second Class Phillippe Anderson was instrumental in organizing the black box event, providing a fresh perspective to professional development for Replenishment Flight staff. Calling the day a “huge success,” Anderson highlighted the “exceptional results.” Flight members are keen more days like this be included in future PD.
The black box mystery item? Prunes!
