Catching up with the winners of NUDM’s cooking competitions
On January 30, 2016, students at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. came together to combat hunger through their own creative versions of the popular cooking competitions Top Chef and Cupcake Wars. All of the proceeds from this event, organized by Northwestern’s Dance Marathon (NUDM) and supported by Whole Foods Market, went to Blessings in a Backpack.
Students from three Chicago-area schools that are a part of Blessings in a Backpack, Stagg Elementary School in Englewood, Holy Angels in Bronzeville and student volunteers from St. Alphonsus in Lakeview, all attended the event — engaging in games and other activities with the college students.
We had the opportunity to speak with three individuals that were involved in making this NUDM event a success, raising more than $1,000!
Rahul Matta, a senior from Boston majoring in computer science, was captain of the Top Chef competition first-place team, Lambda Chophouse.
Rahul, tell us a little about your winning dish.
We made shallow fried butternut squash medallions with brown sugar layering, mint crème fraiche and toasted maple crumble. We only had 30 minutes to cook the meal and the only ingredient we knew about beforehand was butternut squash – we had to get a little creative.
We were given a $25 Whole Foods gift card to stock up on ingredients, but we were able to put together our dish using just $18!
One cool thing about this contest is that it shows you how much you can do without spending a lot of money. Cooking is about making the most with what you have. It doesn’t need to be big and extravagant for it to be a great meal.
What was the team like? Was it a group of experienced cooks?
To be honest, it wasn’t very organized [laughs]. It was a lot of scrambling around, trying to get things done. There were four of us total – three friends and me. I think we all have an interest in cooking, but I took the lead because I’ve been cooking forever.
We came in with a general idea of what we were going to do. It was really all about getting as much done as possible in a short amount of time.
Have you always had a passion for cooking?
I’ve been interested in cooking for a while. I grew up cooking in the kitchen with my mom and my grandmother. We always had the Food Network on! I love cooking. Food has always been a major part of my life.
Did you or your team members have a chance to interact with some of the elementary school students?
All the kids at the event seemed so happy and joyful. They were all just really great to be around, and it was great to see them trying all of the cupcakes. I think they actually were judging for the Cupcake Wars competition!
What do you think about the mission of Blessings in a Backpack?
It’s absolutely wonderful. I’ve had prior involvement with similar organizations. It’s shocking, saddening and a little infuriating to know that so many children in America don’t get substantial food.
The food was so central to my childhood that I can’t fathom what it would be like to grow up without it. I’m glad that organizations like Blessings in a Backpack are able to impact so many kids’ lives.
Lauren Goldstein, a sophomore communications studies student from suburban New York City, rocked the Cupcake Wars contest with her delicious first place Oreo birthday cupcake covered in Funfetti frosting.
So, Lauren, tell us about the winning cupcake.
I am super competitive so I wanted something that would be popular, not only with the adult judges but with the elementary students judging, as well. Hence, why I chose to bake an Oreo birthday cupcake because I wanted something that would be kid-friendly. I thought it needed to be really sweet – something a kid would love to eat!
Sounds like you have some baking experience. Is baking a hobby of yours?
Absolutely! Outside of school and my digital media internships, baking is my favorite hobby. I get it from my mom, who has been baking ever since I can remember. Our kitchen at home can easily be mistaken for a bakery.
During my senior year in high school, after I had already been accepted to Northwestern, I started my own out-of-my-house baking company. It was called “Goldilocks Bakery.” I was known for the fan-favorite cake pops, decorated with college colors – which were a big hit at high school graduation parties.
Did you get a chance to interact with some of the Blessings in a Backpack elementary school students that were in attendance?
I did! One of my favorite moments from the event was when a cute little boy came up, tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “How do I vote for this one?” It was my cupcake! He said he loved how it had an Oreo inside. It was really great to see all the kids out there, especially being able to be involved in the competition.
What do you think of Blessings in a Backpack’s overall mission?
Often, our Dance Marathon competition is medically focused, so it is really cool to be able to work with an organization a little different, but still with an incredible mission, such as Blessings in a Backpack.
The mission of Blessings is easy to grasp – you feel like there are tangible results. What’s really powerful about Blessings in a Backpack is that it doesn’t take a huge financial commitment to make a difference. It only takes two dollars to feed a child. So when you can do the math in your head and see the impact you are having – it really drives you to do more.
That’s what I love about Blessings. You have the ability to know the difference you are making in someone’s life.
Kristin Steinbach is a senior marketing specialist at Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods, a nationwide grocery store chain based out of Austin, Texas, has been supporting the NUDM for over a decade.
Why is giving back important to Whole Foods?
Whole Foods Market operates on a set of Core Values and acknowledges that success is a product of working amongst a team. One of these eight Core Values, “We serve and support our local and global communities,” is at the heart of my day-to-day role and goes to show that getting involved in our community is the right thing to do.
What prompted Whole Foods to give to the Northwestern Dance Marathon ‘Top Chef’ event?
This was just a no-brainer. Any partnership that gives us an opportunity to showcase our great food and brand to a large group of people while benefitting a great cause in our community is always a win-win-win.
What, in your opinion, is unique about the work that Blessings in a Backpack does?
We focus a lot on supporting schools to give children the education and resources they deserve but don’t think as much about what goes on outside of school. Looking at the need we have in Cook County and the impact Blessings in a Backpack has made nationwide, I’m excited to see how this partnership continues to nourish our community!