Young chef’s kitchen battle

Rotary Young Chef heat at Ashfield School
Pictured here, from left to right, are: Nathan Kania, Tom Shaw, Jessica James, Strawberry Barlow and Rtn Roger Pursey, President Elect. — Rotary Young Chef heat at Ashfield School Pictured here, from left to right, are: Nathan Kania, Tom Shaw, Jessica James, Strawberry Barlow and Rtn Roger Pursey, President Elect.

The Year 10 students who competed were Jessica James, Strawberry Barlow, Nathan Kania and Tom Shaw, who are all studying NVQ L2 Diploma in Hospitality Services at Charnwood.

They devised their own menus, working to a budget and with healthy-eating guidelines, and had a set time to prepare, cook and present their three-course meals.

After a heated battle, Jessica James was named the winner, impressing the judges with her menu of carrot and coriander soup, chilli con carne and apple and rhubarb crumble.

Other dishes on the menu included tomato and basil bruschettas, one-pan duck with savoy cabbage and chocolate and banana bread pudding.

Jessica will now go through to the district heat of the competition to represent Ashfield School.