A SCHOOL chef from Oakworth has been mixing with the UK's elite.
Kirsty McAndrew was amongst a dozen contenders in the national final of the School Chef of the Year competition.
Their culinary skills were put to the test over two days at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Although Kirsty – who is employed by Midshire Signature Services, and works at Oakworth Primary School – wasn't victorious, she said she was delighted and honoured to reach the final stage of the contest.
She earned her place at Birmingham by winning a Yorkshire and Humber regional heat – for the second year in succession.
Kirsty served up rich beef and vegetable pudding with aromatic beetroot, carrot puree, duchess potatoes and thyme sauce.
Her dessert was a moist sponge cake, homemade chocolate orange ice cream, butternut crisps, flapjack crumb and strawberry coulis.
Louise Wagstaffe, senior culinary advisor with Premier Food and the competition head judge, said: "Kirsty impressed all the judges with her skill, attention to detail and exceptional flavour combinations.
"She was a worthy winner of the outstanding heat for the Yorkshire and Humber region and thoroughly deserved her place at the national final."
Finalists had to prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert – with a total food cost of £1.60 per head – in 90 minutes.
The overall winner earned a trophy, £1,000 cash prize and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events.
Regional winners each received £100.
The competition – which this year celebrated its 30th anniversary – is staged by LACA, a professional body representing over 1,000 members from across the school food sector, including public and private-contract caterers and suppliers.
Sponsorship is provided by Premier Food's Bisto.
Earlier this year, following her 2023 success, Kirsty urged other school chefs to register for the contest.
She said: "My company, Midshire Signature Services, encouraged me to be part of the competition as they knew how passionate I was about highlighting the high-quality food we as school chefs serve to our children every day.
"As well as showcasing how far school dinners have come and how amazing they can be, I used the competition as a way to broaden my own skills and knowledge.
"One of my favourite moments was designing my own menu, when I was able to use a wide range of versatile ingredients. Reaching the finals was a fantastic experience."
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