Five aspiring chefs with a love and passion for food put their kitchen skills to the test as they competed for tuition scholarships on April 21 at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute Seattle.

In the end, there could only be one winner – and Miranda Jahn of Lake Washington High School in Kirkland took the coveted title: The Art Institute of Seattle Best Teen Chef 2012.

During the cook-off competition, the competitors were asked to showcase their talent and skill by preparing and serving a two-course meal in just two hours. The meal consisted of a sautéed breast of chicken with creative garnish, rice pilaf and broccoli sauté.

Competitors were judged on five technical skills including knife skills, safety, sanitation, organization, cooking techniques, and clean-up, and five specific qualities of the finished dishes – temperature, taste, texture, portion size and presentation.

In addition to the title, Jahn will be awarded a $4,000 tuition scholarship toward a culinary degree program at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute Seattle.

Food and family have always inspired this budding young chef who has become known for her delicious cupcakes and gluten-free treats. When she is not cooking, Jahn also plays roller derby for the Seattle Derby Brats and hopes to try out for the Rat City Roller girls this year when she turns 18.

Jordan Sherwood took home the silver medal and a $1,000 tuition scholarship.

“We were very impressed by all the high school seniors who competed in The Art Institute Seattle Best Teen Chef Cook-Off Competition this year; their passion and enthusiasm for the culinary arts is inspiring,” said Chef Ian Mackay, academic director of the culinary department at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute Seattle. “But Jahn really stood out with a stellar performance.”

The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Competition, now in its 12th year, is an opportunity for high school seniors across North America interested in pursuing a culinary career to experience the excitement and discipline of the industry. Cook-off competitions were also held at other participating International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes locations across the U.S. and Canada in March and April.

In addition to earning their scholarship awards, all local Best Teen Chef first place winners will be entered into a random drawing for a national prize – a trip to New York City for a very special food experience.

For more information, contact The Art Institute Seattle at 206-448-6600.