Food Services Department Wins Mystery Chef Competition

Members of the BBHCSD Food Services Department were recently crowned winners of the 2025 Mystery Chef Competition! Sponsored by Pisanick Partners, the annual contest features teams composed of Food Service Department staff representing school districts across Northeast Ohio. Each district team is given a box of sixteen mystery food ingredients and given the challenge of developing school-friendly recipes using those ingredients along with pre-approved pantry staples such as spices and herbs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, oil, and vinegar. The BBHCSD Mystery Chef team was comprised of Amy Voigt (Food Services Supervisor), Lisa Eisentraut (Cook 1 at BBHES), Darlene Hill (Food Service Worker at BBHMS), and Amanda Boros (Head Cook at BBHES).

Using creativity, collaboration, and food knowledge, the team members were able to make a completely reimbursable meal featuring a main entrée and side dishes accompanied by a serving of milk, additional fruit, and another vegetable option. Using the mystery ingredients of spinach and artichoke dip, plain Greek yogurt, beef meatballs, and pantry items of pizza dough and cheese, the team baked a delicious Spinach and artichoke meatball stromboli. The main entrée was accompanied by mouth-watering Mac and Cheese Bites featuring mystery ingredients plain Greek yogurt, breadcrumbs made from a whole grain dinner roll, and cooked elbow macaroni, along with cheese, and sodium-free spices. A fresh Spring Sprouts Salad featuring mystery ingredients of shaved brussels sprouts and a sugar-free syrup along with pantry items of cheese, apples, craisins, green onion, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil provided the second side dish.

The next step was to solicit feedback from student taste-testers. Elementary, middle, and high school students enjoyed and provided positive feedback on all of the recipes.

During the judging process, only one recipe was evaluated based on several criteria, including, a written recipe, special diet inclusion, photos and video submission, school applicability, cost-effectiveness, as well being kid-tested and approved. Bonus points were granted for creating a market plan and providing additional recipes. Maureen Pisanick from Pisanick Partners surprised the team members to announce their well-deserved honor. Watch a video of the award presentation!

The BBHCSD Mystery Chef team had a fantastic experience working together to create fun, interesting, and delicious recipes. A special thank you to Pisanick Partners for providing this exciting recipe competition. Finally, congratulations to the BBHCSD Mystery Chef team and the entire Food Services Department on this proud accomplishment!