On Wednesday 21st January, Ms Smith, Teacher of Food Technology, was delighted to host the annual Rotary Young Chef Competition which saw five JTHS pupils, Jem, Jude, Dylan, Tyler and Isaac, compete in culinary challenges in hope of being crowned the winner by a panel of judges.
The group of competitors were tasked to prepare and serve, in two hours, a two-course healthy and nutritious meal comprising a main course and dessert, for two people. The young chefs were awarded points for costing, planning, healthy choices, use of equipment, meal served on time and at the correct temperature, organisation and hygiene, skills used, presentation of dish and the taste.
Jem E in Year 8 cooked an impressive fish pie, with buttered tender stem broccoli and mini carrots. For dessert he chose chocolate fondant, whipped cream and raspberries.
Jude P in Year 8 cooked a lemon and cream sauce over parmesan and ricotta ravioli. His dessert was chewy cookies and fresh vanilla ice cream.
Dylan C in Year 9 cooked a stuffed pork tenderloin with an apple cider jus. For dessert he made a sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce.
Tyler P in Year 9 cooked ‘marry me’ chicken with a side of homemade pasta, broccoli and carrots. For dessert he made a classic black forest gateau with a cherry sauce and grated chocolate.
Isaac P in Year 10 made duck breast with a parsnip puree, honey carrots, roast potatoes and cherry sauce. For dessert he made a vanilla panna cotta decorated with a tuile and raspberry coulis.
Dylan was named as the winner of this heat and will go onto the District Final in March.
Overseeing the competition was William Saunders, the Club Projects Chair. The competition was a wonderful showcase of the young talent and each student should be incredibly proud of themselves for getting this far. The judges expressed their delight at the high standard of the dishes and commended the students for their enthusiasm, passion and skill.
To read more about the Rotary Young Chef Competition, visit their website here.
