CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Members of the UNC women’s basketball team often compete against each other in practice, fanning competitive flames as they improve their skills. But as part of the team’s holiday fun the Tar Heels faced off in a different venue, dividing up into two squads for a cooking competition, this time with the goal of keeping flames to a minimum.
Two teams competed to make the best desserts – judged on taste, appearance and the teamwork behind them – and construct the most creative gingerbread houses. Action took place in a test kitchen on campus, with support staff members as the judges.
“I wasn’t surprised how fun and competitive this cookout was, as this group exudes both of these qualities on a daily basis,” UNC coach Courtney Banghart said. “But I was floored by how good they were in the baking and creative category. Now that I know of their talents there, this will come in handy moving forward.”
In a close race, the team of Destiny Adams, Eva Hodgson, Teonni Key, Anya Poole, Kennedy Todd-Williams and Alexandra Zelaya won the overall prize after baking hot chocolate cookies and angel food cakes dressed up as holiday gnomes and also constructing fruit kabobs. The other team made banana cupcakes, chocolate fudge and pretzel treats.
Malu Tshitenge turned her famous banana bread recipe into cupcakes and was recognized for baking the favorite overall item. Paulina Paris and Ariel Young were recognized for their perseverance after triumphing over gingerbread house woes. Destiny Adams was recognized for teamwork; Deja Kelly was recognized for her PR skills; and Alyssa Ustby earned the ingenuity award for calling on her Minnesota roots to use the chilly outdoor temperatures as a refrigeration technique.
The Tar Heels (9-2) return to action on the court on Thursday, hosting Florida State to open Atlantic Coast Conference play.
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