Cook It 2013 Winners Announced
Huge congratulations go to Ben Acott, age 13, from Hampshire
and Zach Field, age 15, from Wiltshire, the amazingly talented winners of this
year's Guild of Food Writers Cook It - Young Cook of the Year -competition,
sponsored by Gold Top, the brand name for Quality Milk Producers.
Organised by the Guild of Food Writers, the Cook It
competition asked entrants aged between 10 and 16 to create a celebratory
two-course meal to coincide with the competition's tenth birthday.
After an initial judging stage, six finalists were asked to
take part in a 'cook-off' held at the Electrolux Training Academy on 20 June in
front of a panel of judges. This year's judges included TV cook and author
Stefan Gates, award-winning food writer Annie Bell, and Alex Mackay, author,
chef and broadcaster. The six finalists had 1½ hours to cook their winning
meals, with each dish judged on its taste, presentation and originality.
The judges were genuinely impressed with the level of skill,
creativity and contagious enthusiasm the finalists showed for cooking.
The judges were treated to an impressive collection of
stunning dishes, including Ben's Fish 'n Friends, an imaginative take on the
popular fish and chips with Pureed Minty Peas for his main course, followed by
a Sweet Pasta with an Apricot Cream Filling. Zach prepared a stunning and
accomplished Poached Asian Chicken with Nori, a Ginger and Garlic Dipping Sauce
and Sesame Sautéed Pak Choi followed by a Bourbon Vanilla and White Chocolate
Panna Cotta with Honeycomb and Star Anise Marinated Cherries.
'I loved seeing the joy the kids brought into the kitchen
and I was astonished at their ability and how beautifully they balanced their
flavours,' commented judge Alex Mackay.
Cook It is sponsored by Gold Top, the brand name for Quality
Milk Producers, who have generously offered two first prizes of a four-night
family break for the winner in each age group at Sandsend Bay Cottages in the
fantastic seaside village of Sandsend near Whitby, North Yorkshire. In
addition, the schools attended by the winners will receive a one-day visit from
the Electrolux Mobile Training Academy and a selection of small kitchen
appliances. All the finalists won an Electrolux Silent Blender and a selection
of cookbooks.
Stefan said: 'I thought the standard of cooking was mind
blowingly fantastic and some of the best I've seen in the competition.'
Annie agreed, commenting: 'It was all so impressive, the
imagination, the execution... we have seen the chefs of tomorrow.'
Michael Jones, Chairman of Quality Milk Producers, said:
'Quality Milk Producers are again delighted to be involved
with this fabulous competition.
The talent and imagination of all the entrants are fantastic
and when the age range is considered, their efforts can only be described as
inspiring.
In a world of convenience food, it is a real treat to see
these youngsters thinking about what they eat, preparing it and then cooking it
to a very high standard.
As sponsors, we are very proud of the fact that we are
helping to encourage young people to think about what they eat and learn new
skills that they can carry forward with them.'
Helen Haider, Marketing Manager for Electrolux said:
'Electrolux is excited to host the Cook It final again. The
chance to encourage young cooks to experiment with taste, flavour and texture,
and for them to use state-of-the-art equipment like induction hobs and steam
ovens is what Electrolux is all about. We encourage chefs of all ages. We are
also running a great apprentice scheme called Chef Academy for young
professionals. We'd like to see these Cook It finalists come through these
ranks too.'
The runners up in the 10-13 age group were Angus
Bruce-Gardyne, aged 13, from Edinburgh, who cooked Desert Island, followed by
Black Forest Meringue Tower; and Bethany Owen, aged 13, from Oxfordshire, who
started with Duck Profiteroles with a Red Wine Sauce, served with Asparagus,
followed by Forest Fruits with White Chocolate Lasagne.
The runners up in 14-16 age group were: Troy
Gardiner-Playford, aged 16, from Kent, who cooked Pork in a Creamy Kentish
Cider Sauce with Lyonnaise Potatoes and Steamed Mange Tout, followed by Bakewell
Tart with Kentish Lavender Cream; and Natalie Miron, aged 15, from Berkshire,
who cooked Sous Vide Fillet of Beef, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Baby
Vegetables and a Pancetta Crumb, followed by Apple and Salted Caramel
Millefeuille.
Quality Milk Producers (QMP), the co-operative of British
Jersey and Guernsey dairy farmers owns the Gold Top milk brand.
www.goldtopmilk.co.uk
Electrolux
Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances and
appliances for professional use, selling more than 40 million products to
customers in 150 countries every year. The company focuses on innovations that
are thoughtfully designed, based on extensive consumer insight, to meet the real
needs of consumers and professionals. Electrolux products include
refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and cookers sold
under esteemed brands such as Electrolux, AEG & Zanussi in the UK. For more
information, visit www.electrolux.com/press.
The Guild of Food Writers
255 Kent House Road , Beckenham , Kent BR3 1JQ
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