The heat is on for the next generation of budding chefs as the deadline approaches for entries to the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland’s Young Cook of the Year competition.

Open to all Key stage 3 and 4 pupils across Northern Ireland; the competition has a closing date of 1st March 2013 so there’s still time for the next budding Jamie Oliver or Nigella to apply!

To celebrate that Derry/Londonderry has been awarded the honour of the first ever UK City of Culture for 2013, the popular cooking competition is inviting students to chose an event from the calendar of activities and prepare a two course meal to entertain friends who will be watching the celebrations.

To be in with a chance of winning a cash prize for both themselves and their school, entrants will be required to demonstrate their cooking skills as well as highlight the importance of incorporating dairy products as part of a balanced diet to produce a nutritious meal.

Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said: “Each year we look forward to starting our search to find the next promising culinary talent in our schools.

“We recognise that 2013 is an exciting time for Northern Ireland so we want students to help celebrate this by producing a balanced meal, using locally sourced products including dairy ingredients. As the deadline for entries is fast approaching, we would encourage any pupils who are still keen to do so to enter by logging on to www.dairycouncil.co.uk

The competition has been developed in consultation with the Education and Library Boards and supports the Home Economics curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

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 March 2013.