Riverhead, NY - December 7, 2014 - Nearly a dozen Suffolk County Community College Culinary program students will jump out of the frying pan into the fire to compete in a Chopped-like culinary competition in which students will receive a mystery basket of ingredients and must turn them into a mouth-watering dish. The competition is similar to the popular reality television show “Chopped” airing on the Food Network.

The judges -- five of Suffolk’s faculty chefs -- will evaluate each student’s creation on creativity, presentation and taste.

The public is invited to witness the student chefs in action.

Will the chefs be as cool as a cucumber? Can they cut the mustard? Who will bring home the bacon?  Stay tuned!

The top chef will win a seven-night stay at the Sheraton Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater, Fla., and an opportunity to work under the supervision of the resort’s executive chef.  The contest’s “Battle for the Beach” prize also includes round-trip airfare and ground transportation.

The battle date is Friday, December 12, at 2 p.m. at the Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts & Hospitality Center, 20 E. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901.