Mark Wilkinson wins 2009 NACC Care Cook of the Year

Mark came up trumps with a menu of grilled trout, wilted spinach & leeks, mashed potato and sauce verige, followed by summer fruit pudding with Cornish clotted cream. The creative caterer travelled to Birmingham on Thursday July 9th to take part in the care industry's premier culinary contest. Mark was among six finalists who qualified for the final cook-off from a nationwide entry. The competition was open to all care sector caterers, who were invited to produce a menu suitable for a designated care sector client group. The contest is organised by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), and supported by The Worshipful Company of Cooks. The aim of the contest is to raise the profile of this sector of the catering industry, and highlight the varied culinary skills and talents of cooks in the care sector. Sue Ullmann, National Chair NACC, commented: "The depth of skill in the care industry has been highlighted today. The contestants have brought their skills they utilise everyday in the workplace, to the competitive arena, and once again highlighted the creativity that is so often under valued in this sector. "As the government puts its Improving Nutritional Care Action Plan into place these six finalists are an example of the quality of staff employed day in day out across Britain, in residential homes, children's centres, day care and community meals establishments. They should also be the benchmark for which every establishment must aim for as we all strive to improve nutritional care for those in our care" Mark said on winning: "I'm thrilled to have won the title of Care Cook of the Year, and have been able to demonstrate the skill I use in my workplace to a wider audience." Derek Johnson, Deputy National Chair and competition organiser, added: "Every year, the quality and variety of dishes the cooks produce on such a tight budget seems to push the barrier higher. The budget may seem small but it is a reflection of the size of budget care caterers face every day in providing nutritious and appetising meals to some of the most vulnerable people in residential and community care."