‘Little Chefs’ join event to benefit SU-Shreveport

SHREVEPORT — The annual Gentlemen’s Cooking Classic is featuring a new category this year: “Little Chefs.”

The Little Chefs will be ages 8-13. Twenty children are entered in the category for the Saturday cooking competition.

The Classic hosts dozens of chefs who compete for prizes in categories such as appetizer, entrée, side dish and dessert. All proceeds from the event benefit Southern University at Shreveport Foundation, which raises money to award scholarships.

Among the competitors in the classic will be Gaybriel Gilliam, 13, of Shreveport. His grandfather, Sam Gilliam, said Gaybriel will make a stuffed chicken breast recipe inspired by his late grandmother.

“I didn’t think he was going to enjoy cooking it, but he thoroughly enjoyed it,” Gilliam said. “He plays on the football team, plays on the basketball team so he’s a real guy’s guy. But he can hold his own in the kitchen.”

One of the goals of adding the “Little Chefs” category is to encourage the school system to incorporate nutrition education and the importance of kids learning how to cook.

Will Cooper, 13, of Shreveport, is considering cooking as a profession. He began cooking for his family and specializes in preparing eggs and omelets, but for the Classic, he will be making cochon de lait sliders.