Springboard Future Chef Competition – Autumn Term 2015

Flavours from around the world made for a mouth-watering heat of the Springboard Future Chef competition at Hasland Hall.

Eight Year 9 students cooked up a restaurant quality menu, with main courses representing the cuisines of China, the Asian sub-continent, Italy, Croatia and Britain. Coached by Food Technology teacher Mrs Stott, the group had the judges – Mrs Stott, Mr Mann (Subject Leader for Design) and Mr Davey (Assistant Headteacher) – in a bit of a pickle as they tried to separate eight excellent dishes.

The chefs’ signature dishes were marked on their workmanship, creativity, balance and composition, taste and flavour, with only a couple of marks separating all competitors in the end. Home-made bread and pasta and beautifully presented rice, noodles and couscous were features of the menus. “It was so difficult to choose any two winners,” said Mrs Stott.

The two successful chefs making it through to the local competition were Gloria and Eloise. “Gloria’s Prawn Risotto was better than the perfectly tasty one my wife had in a lovely restaurant in Venice over half-term,” said Mr Mann. Eloise presented a delicious Hunter’s Chicken, with home-made spicy sauce.

The next stage of the competition took place at the Burton and South Derbyshire College. Gloria was the successful chef, winning a Jamie Oliver cookbook and personalised chef’s jacket, and will now go forward to compete at the Regional competition in Loughborough in February. In the meantime, Gloria will be mentored by Steve Fletcher, the chef at Derby County Football Club, who will assist Gloria in improving and presenting her dish.

Mr Davey
Assistant Headteacher