• On Friday, December 5, the Faculty of Food and Tourism at Transilvania University in Brașov became the scene of a true culinary celebration, where the passion for gastronomy harmoniously intertwined with the spirit of Christmas.
The event, titled "Sweet December in the aroma of celebration", brought together students from several high schools in Brașov County and university students, transforming the space into a magical workshop full of festive flavors. The dessert competition emphasized creativity, tradition and innovation, giving participants the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in preparing sweets inspired by the winter holidays.
The competition was attended by enthusiastic teams of students from renowned educational institutions in the area, each bringing a touch of originality and creativity in the reinterpretation of classic festive desserts. Among the schools represented were: George Moroianu Săcele Theoretical High School, Transylvania Technical College, Prejmer College for Agriculture and Food Industry, Unirea National College, Maria Baiulescu Brașov Technical College and Andrei Bârseanu Brașov National Economic College. The competitors, guided by involved teachers, prepared desserts that impressed with their appearance, taste and story, transforming simple recipes into true edible works of art.
On the winners' podium
The big winner of the edition was the team "Santa's Little Christmases" from the Andrei Bârseanu National Economic College in Brașov, who won over the jury with a dessert full of creativity, harmony and festive spirit. "Congratulations on a sweet and spectacular moment!", the organizers said, emphasizing how their dish evoked the magic of Christmas through innovative combinations of traditional ingredients.
The event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, the confectionery Sweet Dessert and companies Intersnack and Nova Pan, who contributed to the success of the competition through attractive prizes and logistical support. These partnerships added value, transforming the competition into a memorable experience for all participants.
The jury, made up of recognized professionals in the gastronomic field, carefully evaluated each creation. The president of the jury was Pastry Chef Georgian Tufă, assisted by Lady Chef Cornelia Ghișoi and Professor Cristiana Tobias, a graduate of the faculty and a passionate dessert creator. Their expertise ensured a fair judging, focused on taste, presentation and originality.
Special moments
During the judging break, the atmosphere became even more lively with the competition "Cap Compass. A&T Explorer", organized by lecturer Simona Soica. Participants were involved in dynamic and creative games, which combined the culinary experience with elements of adventure and knowledge: A&T: Duel of Domains, Twist 'n' Travel, War of Cities, Travel with Mikado, Jenga Gourmet and Travels. These activities were designed to stimulate team spirit and create new friendships, adding an additional layer of joy to the event.
Lady Chef Cornelia Ghișoi, a member of the jury and an authorized voice in Romanian gastronomy, shared her impressions of the edition with the Arta Albă editorial team, highlighting the evolution of the competitors compared to the previous year."I saw joy on the faces of the competitors but also beautiful results that resulted in gifts, vouchers and friendly advice that will be valuable in the future", she told us, also noting the participants' attention to detail: "The students took care to have beautifully decorated tables, but their attire was also in tune with the event and the magic of the holidays. I know that behind the curtain there are many hours of work and a lot of emotions, but they say that... The road from passion to performance is hard but worth all the effort." "Compared to last year, the concern was much more intense and the stories behind the desserts showed that they were concerned, studied and then simulated so that they were safe and tasted good."
Ms. Ghișoi also highlighted the importance of traditions: "Reviewing the sweets, we found desserts from distant times presented in a modern manner. Either we must identify with our traditional cuisine and highlight it, we have great wealth and we must take it over from those who are still among us."
Responsibility and sustainability
The event was marked by a message of responsibility and sustainability, conveyed to participants and guests by Lady Chef Ghișoi: "Around the holidays, the magic always begins with a well-deserved sweet treat. Sweets become the stars of this period, but my recommendation is that they should be consumed responsibly."
He also didn't forget to congratulate the participants and their mentors for their courage and support, inviting them to continue: "I congratulate you for your courage to participate in this beautiful competition and also congratulations to the teachers for their support and for believing in you. We look forward to seeing you on other occasions because we are obliged to carry forward Romanian gastronomy."
For high school graduates, he launched a warm invitation: "And after graduating from high school, if you are ready to take the big step, we are waiting for you here at the Faculty of Food and Tourism to develop your skills and get the necessary tools for your professional future." Finally, he urged a balanced approach: "As a suggestion... Try to cook healthily, use the resources you have at hand efficiently, and be more environmentally friendly."
This edition of the contest not only celebrated holiday sweets, but also inspired a new generation of gastronomy enthusiasts, demonstrating that Romanian tradition can be reinvented with creativity and responsibility. Faculty of Food and Tourism Brașov continues to be a pole of excellence in training future specialists, and events like this strengthen the links between education, community, and culinary arts.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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