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 .