The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Festival of Foods kicked off last Friday at the St Mary's Sports Club for amateur chefs in the parishes of Portland, St Mary and St Ann. Special focus was placed on the use of local provisions in the creation of economical dishes. Competition sponsor, Excelsior Crackers, provided prizes for the most creative use of their products in the dishes presented.

The Festival of Foods continues tomorrow at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, with competitions for chefs in Kingston , St Catherine and St Thomas.Other showings will take place on May 8, at the Sean Lavery Faith Centre in Westmoreland and atthe Santa Cruz Community Centre on May 15.

Excelsior wheat bran and oats saltfish fritters.

Rainbow ribbon sandwiches by the students of Tapps Prep School, won a gold medal.

Starapple gone cheese cake by Marsha Muir. - Contributed Photos

This apple upside down cake by Nokia Edwards won a silver medal.

At the Festival of Foods 2009 - northern region competition, gold medallist Kedisha Edwards proudly shows off her Irish potato punch.

Silver medal winning papaya cheese cake by Reglah Habib.