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Danbury Sisters Dish Up Specialties In Maple Sugar Recipe Challenge

STAMFORD, Conn. -- In a battle of young chefs at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 12-year-old Aaron Gruen of Weston came out on top with his Butternut Squash Maple-Filled Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce & Maple BBQ Beef Brisket. 

Visitors got to try several samples at the Teen Chefs Challenge at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center.

Visitors got to try several samples at the Teen Chefs Challenge at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Westport Teen Chef Aaron Gruen wins the contest with his Butternut Squash Maple-filled Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce and Maple BBQ Beef Brisket.

Westport Teen Chef Aaron Gruen wins the contest with his Butternut Squash Maple-filled Ravioli in Brown Butter Sauce and Maple BBQ Beef Brisket.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Hungry visitors look for foods to sample.

Hungry visitors look for foods to sample.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Adaiah Stevens of Danbury, with her Orange Maple Macaroons.

Adaiah Stevens of Danbury, with her Orange Maple Macaroons.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Danbury's Sheariah Stevens displays her Japanese Ramen with Maple Glazed Chicken.

Danbury's Sheariah Stevens displays her Japanese Ramen with Maple Glazed Chicken.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Something salty, something sweet.

Something salty, something sweet.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Talia Raich of Stamford shows off her Maple Popcorn Gone Nutty

Talia Raich of Stamford shows off her Maple Popcorn Gone Nutty

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Tasting the samples at the Teen Chefs Challenge.

Tasting the samples at the Teen Chefs Challenge.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Visitors check out the offerings of teen chefs March 7 at the Stamford Museum and Nature center.

Visitors check out the offerings of teen chefs March 7 at the Stamford Museum and Nature center.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

The contest required the kids to work maple syrup into their menu. Each visitor to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center got to sample the meals, visit with the chefs and cast a vote for the best-tasting dish.  

The other participants also served up tasty dishes: 

  • Talia Raich, 10, of Stamford, Maple Popcorn Gone Nutty;
  • Sheariah Stevens, 13, of Danbury, Japanese Ramen with Maple Glazed Chicken; and 
  • Adaiah Stevens, 15, of Danbury, Orange Maple Macaroons.

The four talented chefs competed as part of First County Bank’s Teen Chefs Challenge event March 7 at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center during this year’s Maple Sugar Festival Weekend.

This year marks the 15th anniversary First County Bank has sponsored this family festival highlighting the New England tradition of maple sugaring. 

“The Maple Sugar Festival provides an excellent opportunity to showcase local kids’ culinary talents and help them further develop their talent,” said Karen Kelly, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at First County Bank.

Here is more information on the participants: 

  • Aaron Gruen, is a sixth-grader at Unquowa School in Fairfield. He has been cooking and baking with his family from the time he could stand at the kitchen counter, and now often makes dinner on his own. Aaron bakes with his mom and older sisters, grills with his dad, and loves to experiment with all sorts of flavor combinations and techniques. His specialties are homemade pasta and challah. When he isn't cooking, Aaron loves to ski, play tennis, and read about the science of cooking. He hopes to someday be a doctor, but a chef on the side.
  • Talia Raich is a fifth-grade student at Bi-Cultural Day School. She has been cooking with her parents from a young age. Talia enjoys making desserts and cooking other tasty treats. Talia’s family has fun in the kitchen together and has made various cooking challenges at home from soup-offs to versions of "Chopped." Talia also enjoys reading, playing sports, acting, skiing, and writing.
  • Adaiah Stevens started cooking and baking at the age of 4, shadowing her mother and grandmother in the kitchen. By 7, she was developing her own recipes. Adaiah has been writing, arranging and performing music since she was 5. She recently appeared on the reality competition show, "MasterChef Jr." on FOX, where she reached the semifinals.  
  • Sheariah Stevens has demonstrated her artistic gifts on large stages, such as the Legendary Apollo Theater, where she was featured as a “Star of Tomorrow.” Whether she is playing her guitar and singing or cooking, her artistic flair is reflected. Sheariah enjoys taking elements of international cuisine to bring unique qualities to her dishes. She frequently prepares multi-course meals for family and friends.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, natural and agricultural sciences, and history. It is off High Ridge Road at 39 Scofieldtown Road. For more information, visit www.stamfordmuseum.org.

 

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