What can you do to transform ingredients from classic McDonald’s menu items?  It turns out, a lot!  I was recently invited to watch culinary students at the Art Institute of Michigan-Novi take on that exact challenge, issued by Chef Jessica Foust, RD, Manager of Nutrition & Culinary for McDonald’s USA.

The student chefs were given one hour to create a new dish, using only the ingredients available at any McDonald’s restaurant.  They chopped, whisked, fried, sauteed and executed some other ninja-chef maneuvers in the busy kitchen, as instructors, photographers and McDonald’s representatives observed.

Students then presented their dishes to Chef Jessica Foust for critique.  Here’s just a taste of what they cooked up (pun completely intended):

This individual skillet dish was made using hash browns, sausage, bacon and cheese.

A fun take on empanadas using tortillas.

Hello fritatta!

A refreshing dessert cup using yogurt, fruit and tortillas.

Other dishes included a crispy fish wrap, biscuits & gravy, cocktail meatballs and so much more.

Students were given feedback on their dishes, though this wasn’t a competition, so no “Top Chef” was declared; however, everyone turned out a winner.  After students presented their dishes, it was McDonald’s turn to present something to the school — a donation in the amount of $10,000 for the school’s scholarship fund.

Now, thanks to the awesome sponsor of this post (McDonald’s, in case that isn’t quite clear yet), you can be a winner too!

****WIN IT****

Two lucky Detroit Mommies’ readers will win a $50 McDonald’s Arch Card!  To enter, just leave a comment, telling us your favorite McDonald’s menu item and complete the Rafflecopter form below.  Extra entries for doing extra stuff (like following us on Facebook).

Two winners will be selected on November 22, 2013.  You must be 18 years of age to enter, legal resident of the United States and not affiliated with Detroit Mommies or McDonald’s to be eligible.

 
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