The Wellness Center at Sky Lakes Medical Center turned up the heat on April 8th during its much-anticipated “Klamath Cook Off,” a Chopped-style culinary showdown that brought together Sky Lakes employees and affiliates for an afternoon of fun, teamwork, and flavor-filled excitement. With a chance to earn wellness points toward their insurance program, participants sharpened their knives and their imaginations for a competition that was as entertaining as it was delicious.
Four teams went head-to-head in this year’s competition: Ramen & Ravioli, Muffin Tops, Urine for a Treat (representing the Urology department), and Dumpster Fire. Each team was tasked with transforming a basket of mystery ingredients into a mouthwatering dish—all within a limited time frame. The pressure was on, but so was the spirit of camaraderie, laughter, and a touch of good-natured rivalry.
After an intense cooking session filled with sizzling pans, spontaneous creativity, and a few dramatic plating moments, it was Ramen & Ravioli who emerged victorious. Their final dish won over the guest judges, who sampled each team’s creation and deliberated closely. The competition was tight—Dumpster Fire came in just half a point behind, making it one of the closest finishes in Cook Off history.
This annual event is the brainchild of Jennifer Newton, Registered Dietitian at the Wellness Center, who shared her excitement and admiration for the participants:
“I’m always surprised and inspired by each team’s creativity. We have teams that come back time after time, and I’m always impressed. It’s one thing to pick these mystery basket ingredients and have time to think about what I’d do with them, but a totally different thing when you’re in the moment and on the spot.”
Each team brought a unique flair to the table—whether it was the playful energy of Urine for a Treat, the delicious risk-taking from Dumpster Fire, or the thoughtful balance of flavors from Muffin Tops, every dish told a story of collaboration and innovation under pressure. Guest judges, composed of staff and community members with sharp palates and even sharper wit, offered feedback and encouragement to the competing chefs.
The Klamath Cook Off is more than just a cooking competition—it’s a celebration of workplace wellness, community spirit, and the joy of trying something new. Events like these bring employees together outside of their usual roles, creating opportunities to bond, laugh, and cheer each other on, all while earning points that support their personal health goals.
As the aroma of sautéed surprises faded and the last spoon was set down, it was clear that the biggest win of the day was the shared experience. With rave reviews and a growing legacy, the Klamath Cook Off is fast becoming a highlight of the Wellness Center calendar—one sizzling, laughter-filled plate at a time.
