I’m a Tulsa Kid: Jayla Patten

Patten recently placed in Sodexo's Future Chef competition.

Every year Sodexo, a food service management company, holds a Future Chef competition to help students understand the importance of healthy eating and to showcase students’ talents in the culinary arts. This year’s finalist, 8-year-old Jayla Patten from Owasso, competed and placed with an original recipe that is both unique and healthy!

TK: How did it feel to be named a finalist in the competition? Prizes?

Jayla Patten: Amazing! It was so fun to cook against other kids in the kitchen. As a finalist, the prizes included an iPad and cover, Snapchat recording glasses and a personalized chef’s coat. For the school district, I won a Fitbit, a pots and pans set, measuring tools, pot holders, an apron/hat set, a giant Wok, an autographed cookbook by Chef Remmi and other kitchen tools. So many cool prizes!

TK: When did you start cooking?

Jayla: When I was 2, I used to sit on the counter and help my mom make cupcakes and cookies. By the time I was 3, I could make my own grilled cheese with Havarti.

TK: What was your winning dish?

Jayla: Asian Chicken Tacos with rice and beans.

TK: How did you come up with the idea for this dish?

Jayla: Well, I like tacos and I like Teriyaki chicken, so I basically combined the two. Also, the beans were Edamame (soybeans) and they are just fun to eat. I really like those too.

TK: What is your favorite type of food to make?

Jayla: Brownies. I have a secret recipe.

TK: Who inspires you and your cooking?

Jayla: My mom, my grandpa and Bobby Flay. I would like to beat him on his show some day. My signature dish would be Lemon Cupcakes.

TK: Any advice for future chefs?

Jayla: Don’t be afraid to try new foods. You might end up liking them.

TK: What are your plans and goals for the future?

Jayla: To keep cooking and learning new recipes so that I can beat Bobby Flay.

TK: What are your hobbies?

Jayla: Girl Scouts, cheerleading, biking, fishing, reading and, of course, baking.

TK: What is a fun fact about you?

Jayla: I once ate a whole pineapple by myself in one sitting…YUM. And I have a super cool mermaid mixer. Oops, that’s two.