ECC Culinary Student Wins Fisher Nuts Recipe Competition for Second Consecutive Year

Elgin Community College (ECC) culinary arts student Lynn Stringini has won the annual Fisher Nuts Recipe Competition for the second year in a row. This year, Stringini won with her Vegan Pistachio Risotto. In 2025, she placed first with her Pistachio Panna Cotta and Pumpkin Chiffon Tartlet.

This is the 15th annual Fisher Nuts Recipe Competition, presented by John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. The competition was held on Thursday, April 16, in the college’s Spartan Terrace Restaurant.

Rounding out the competition in second place is Leila Solorzano, third is Jose Villagomez, and fourth is Chase Matthews. Students Cesar Quintero, Shaliyah Smith, Stef Morelli, and Martina Serafimoska were all runners-up. 

Finalists for the 2026 competition included: 

• Cesar Quintero with Al Capone Pasta 
• Chase Matthews with Candied Nuts Tres Leches Cake
• Jose Villagomez with Almond Crusted Salmon with Pistachio Pesto 
• Leila Solorzano with Alfajores with Almond Milk Panna Cotta 
• Lynn Stringini with Vegan Pistachio Risotto
• Martina Serafimoska with The Nutty Gyro
• Shaliyah Smith with Nut-Blended Pan-Fried Tilapia
• Stef Morelli with Butter Pecan Shaken Cold Brew

Each student developed an original recipe featuring Fisher Nuts products, provided by the company as part of its ongoing partnership with the college.

During the competition, students prepared and presented their dishes for a panel of judges, including Fisher Nuts employees and guests. Four finalists received $1,000 scholarships, while the remaining four will receive $250 scholarships.

“It feels really good,” said Leila Solorzano on being a competition nominee. “For this competition, you have to make your own recipe or modify it, make it a little different. It's very nice to see how our culinary pastry knowledge goes right into making a dish that's basically your own.”

The competition builds on ECC’s continued partnership with Elgin-based John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., providing students with hands-on experience and industry-connected opportunities.

“Thanks to the generous support of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, this competition sparks creativity while giving students real-world experience that supports their growth in the culinary field,” said Jennifer Loiacano, director of ECC’s Spartan Terrace Restaurant.