FutureChef 2011 winner announced

Springboard's FutureChef is a nationwide culinary competition which helps young people from the ages of 12-16 cook their way through a series of challenges. The well deserved winner has won a trip to Rome provided by Hilton Worldwide, with all expenses paid, staying at the Rome Cavalieri, part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, for her parents and sibling and a Multipro Libra Food Processor – Courtesy of Kenwood. Meanwhile the winning school has received vouchers of the value of £350 courtesy of Bunzel Lockhart. Jim Eaves, the winning mentor chef, will receive a Titanium Chef – Courtesy of Kenwood. Each competitor was tasked with preparing and cooking a two-course meal, consisting of a hot main course and a hot or cold dessert for three from a specially selected basket of ingredients. They each had a cooking time of two hours. Higgins commented on her achievement: "I am speechless and overwhelmed, the competition was tough and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I feel I have accomplished a lot and I am really grateful for this opportunity and all the support given to me through Springboard's FutureChef." Dee Smith, head of Youth Programmes at Springboard, added: "To all the Regional finalists - to have made it to the National Final is a fantastic achievement and I hope that you have enjoyed the experience so far. The best is yet to come! Congratulations to Jessica for winning this year, I wish her all the best in the future!" The judging panel included David Mulcahy - craft & food development director, Sodexo UK & Ireland, Theo Randall - chef patron at Theo Randall at the InterContinental, Steve Munkley - executive chef, The Royal Garden Hotel and Kerry Johansen, Springboard's FutureChef 2010 winner. The runner up was Meghan Bell, aged 14 from Ferrers Specialist Arts College in East Midlands. The students were judged on creativity and presentation, menu balance, composition, taste and flavour and workmanship. This year has seen a record number of 739 schools register and 7897 students participate nationwide in Springboard's FutureChef. The final was held yesterday (21 March) at Westminster Kingsway College.