‘Mum’s the word’ as search begins to find NI Young Cook of the Year 2011
The Dairy Council has launched its search to find Northern Ireland’s next budding culinary talent in the 2011 Young Cook of the Year competition.
The cookery competition, which is open to all Key Stage 3 and 4 classes and Special Education Schools, is inviting students to plan a surprise two–course meal for a family of four to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Using locally sourced ingredients, including dairy products, the competition aims to promote cooking skills and highlight the importance of a balanced diet. Lucky finalists will be invited to take part in a ‘Masterchef’ style cook–off with the chance to win up to £100 for themselves and £500 for their school.
Dr. Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said:
“We’re looking forward to beginning our search to find Northern Ireland’s next top young cooking talent. With the opportunity to cook for and spoil their mums on Mother’s Day next year, we want to encourage students to explore cooking with a wide variety of dairy ingredients such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Dairy foods are versatile ingredients and contain a wide range of nutrients making dairy a simple and economic component of a balanced diet.”
The competition has been developed in consultation with the Education and Library Boards and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). Endorsing the competition, Glynis Henderson, Principal Officer for Home Economics, CCEA, said:
“This competition allows young people from across Northern Ireland to demonstrate the cooking skills that they have learnt in their Home Economics classes for creating nutritious and inexpensive dishes from locally sourced ingredients. Also, by supporting the Home Economics curriculum, the competition gives students the opportunity to further develop life skills essential for their development into independent and self sufficient adults.”
Winners will be chosen from each Education and Library Board area, with the overall category winners and the Young Cook of the Year announced at a special cook–off in April 2011.
For more details for the competition click here.
Photograph: Glynis Henderson, Principal Officer for Home Economics, CCEA; Michael Drayne, Vice–chairman Dairy Council for Northern Ireland; Home Economics Student, Methodist College Belfast