Parution le 8 janvier 2015
Nicholls cooking school grad prepares for regional contest
Haleigh Hocutt practices Thursday at Nicholls State University for a cooking contest Saturday.
Jacob Batte / Staff
By Jacob Batte Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 8:12 p. m. Last Modified: Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 8:12 p. m.
Deep in the center of a quiet Nicholls State University campus, Haleigh Hocutt is preparing a 10-plate meal for no one.
While most students are enjoying their winter break, the 23-year-old Luling native is feverishly practicing Thursday afternoon for 2015 San Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition in Chicago this weekend.
Hocut is making a Duck Madeira with cauliflower“ couscous” and swiss chard.
Hocut, who co-owns a food truck in New Orleans ' Bywater neighborhood, gives off an air of confidence when explaining the process, noting the recipe is“ pretty easy” and“ doesn ' t feature a lot of technical techniques.” The confidence, she says, is just her personality.
“ I ' m just nervous and excited. I wish I was more prepared,” she says.