High school seniors turned up the heat in a high-stakes cooking competition in the Flatiron District Tuesday.

Nineteen students from across the city tried to earn scholarships to culinary schools, by prepared classic French chicken dishes and dessert crepes for a panel of chef judges.

"It was very intense, and I love the adrenaline rush when you're cooking. We had two hours to complete our dishes," said one young cook.

"It was all about timing, speed, how to handle yourself in the kitchen and how to work with yourself," said another.

The students were judged on their organization, cooking techniques, taste and presentation.

The winners of the competition will be announced on Friday.