Julie Beeson from Surrey Commercial Services, Karen Clark from Cambridgeshire Catering Services, David Gower from Hertfordshire Catering Limited, Rose Khan from London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and last year’s reigning champion Beverley Paterson from Scottish Borders will cook in front of a panel of industry expert judges to see who has what it takes to be crowned the winner of second annual McCain Simply One Pot Meal Competition.
Katrina Ellis, McCain Foods product manager, said: “Last year’s cook off demonstrated the hard work and dedication of school cooks across the UK, celebrating the nutritious food they produce for their pupils every day.
“This year we’re expecting the same outstanding quality and creativity, and with such a mix of flavours being planned in the final, it’s sure to be a close competition.”
All of the finalists will receive a complimentary dinner and overnight’s stay at the luxury Eckington Manor hotel and will have their recipes published on the McCain Foodservice website. The McCain Simply One Pot Meal Champion 2016 will receive an all-expenses paid culinary trip for two to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage HQ and will also be invited to LACA and/or Assist as a guest of McCain to showcase their winning dish.
The panel, which includes Anne Bull, former LACA Chair and former Head of Catering and Schools Facilities Services for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council; McCain Development Chef for education, Adele Procter; and Judy Gardner, founder of the Eckington Manor Cookery School; will be scoring each dish on specific criteria such as creativity, presentation, flavour, colour and texture.