Most kids are confident enough in the kitchen to make a bowl of cereal or a simple sandwich, but the seven children participating in United Way's Youth Cooking Challenge can create gourmet meals.

United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area is holding a Youth Cooking Challenge as part of their health initiative with a focus on childhood health and wellness, including obesity prevention. The young chefs (none of them are older than 13) will be paired with a local chef and filmed preparing a signature dish. Online voting will determine two finalists, who will then have a "cook off" to determine a winner.

The seven youth chefs are: Andrew Broadbent of Remsen, 12 years old; Salvatore Drivas of Frankfort, 11 years old; Emma Taylor of Poland, 12 years old; Carmella Garcia of Sherrill, 12 years old; Elijah Jones of Poland, 10 years old; Naomi Smith of Utica, 12 years old and Brooklynne True of Utica, 13 years old.

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW, now through April 7th!

Sal Drivas and Chef Michael of Michael’s Fine Food and Spirits:

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

Brooklynne True and Chef Brian of The Balanced Chef:

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

Naomi Smith and Chef Chance of The Ridge Tavern:

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

Andrew Broadbent and Chef Melinda of Baggs Square Cafe:

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

Emma Taylor and Chef Victor Of The Madison Bistro:

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

Carmella Garcia and Chef Diane of Roso's Cafe & Catering:

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

Elijah Jones and Chef Tim of Tailor & The Cook:

MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE BELOW!

The "Cook Off" is scheduled for Monday, April 15th, and will be held at Restaurant Equipment Corp's brand new test kitchen located in the New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford.