BUDDING chefs withstood the heat of the kitchen in a close-run cook-off to remember.
Haughton Academy, Darlington, staged the first of two heats to find a school representative in an annual contest designed to promote catering.
Schools from the across the country have signed up to the annual Future Chef competition, a prestigious initiative organised by Springboard, designed to attract new blood into the industry.
Winners move from school heats to town and regional contests culminating in a national final in London judged by some of the country’s top chefs.
Students are given an hour to plan, prepare, cook and serve a main dish to a panel of judges with ingredients costing under £5.
In the first heat at Haughton Academy Sydnee Flanagan, 14, pushed Harry Mallinson and Alex Ross, both 12, into second and third place, respectively, with her Spanish chicken creation.
Contestants were marked on presentation, flavour and nutritional balance. Food technology teacher Lesley Watts said: “All the students performed extremely well, under pressure and against the clock.
“Sydnee’s was well presented, cooked and balanced. I think she benefited from the experience and will now work on her flavours for the next round.”
Sydnee added: “I love cooking and do a lot at home. I would love to work with disabled children but as a back-up would certainly consider catering.”
