New school meal category for The British Turkey Awards

School cooks will be asked to create their own original dish using any kind of British turkey catering cut carrying th Quality British Turkey and Red Tractor logo – whether portions such as turkey steaks, mince, fillets or whole joints. The turkey dishes must then be served to the pupils in the ultimate taste test. The entries will be shortlisted to three and then visited by a panel of judges who will make the final decision. The criteria include suitability for target end user, showcase turkey as the "hero" of the dish, and good balance of ingredients. Finalist will be invited to an awards ceremony at Claridge's on 23rd September where the winner will be revealed and take home the coveted British Turkey Awards trophy and certificate. The idea behind this new award is to get schools thinking outside the box of how to include nutritious, delicious turkey dishes on the menu, without resorting to the usual roast dinner. Matthew Pullen, marketing spokesman for the British Turkey Federation, said: "Many school cooks already know the benefits of putting British turkey on the menu regularly, but we would like to encourage them and others to get creative and experiment with the various convenient cuts available to caterers. Lasagne, bolognese, curries and meat balls are all delicious made with turkey – but let's see what the school cooks come up with." Details and entry forms are available on www.ilovebritishturkey.co.uk or by calling 0800 783 9994, and the deadline is 16th July 2010.