Armagh Student wins ‘Tesco School Chef of the Year’ title at Tesco NI’s annual competition.
Pictured: St Catherine’s College Armagh teacher Frances Meeney, whose pupil Cassi Morrison won the competition for her Lamb with herb crust, roast vegetable and mash.
An Armagh student has been crowned School Chef of the Year at Mullahead Ploughing Championships.
Cassi Morrison represented her school, St Catherine’s College Armagh at the event and was awarded the trophy after competing in a live ‘cook off’ with five other finalists. The other finalists attended Banbridge Academy, Killicomaine JHS and St Patrick’s College Banbridge.
The initiative, led by Tesco Northern Ireland and Mullahead Ploughing Society, was designed to uncover the culinary skills of local students and inspire them to use and enjoy the fresh food produce that is, quite literally, on their doorsteps.
Nine schools and 34 students in total from across Northern Ireland entered the competition, which required contestants to prepare a main course using as many local ingredients as possible from Tesco suppliers.
The six finalists cooked their dishes which were then judged on value for money, the number of local ingredients used, taste and creativity, by a team of hungry judges.
Cassi, who cooked a delicious lamb with herb crust and roast vegetables, will receive £1000 award for her school, as well as a tour of Irwin’s Bakery for her class and £100 for herself. The six finalists all received a £50 gift voucher to spend at Tesco Northern Ireland stores.
The contest is part of Tesco Northern Ireland’s ongoing commitment to supporting local schools and educating young people on the rich heritage of food and drink in the region.
Caoimhe Mannion, Tesco’s Marketing Manager in Northern Ireland, said: “This is a fine example of education and industry working together to further support our local suppliers.
“We feel this competition was a great way for the students to unleash their culinary and creative skills, whilst learning about the quality produce we have on our doorstep, and acts as an engaging reminder to families to support local suppliers and celebrate the wealth of produce we are lucky enough to have on our doorsteps. Well done to all the finalists – the judges thoroughly enjoyed the dishes.”
