Perfecting the McCain signature dish

This national contest is free to enter and encourages all young chefs – third year students and first year working – to create their own 'Signature Dish'. The closing date for entries is 28 February. Budding chefs will be expected to create a starter and a main course that stands out from the crowd, using great quality ingredients including products from the McCain Signatures range. Recipes will be judged on their innovation and originality. The McCain Signatures range includes restaurant-style chunky cut Gourmet Chips, Brewers Ridges and Rosti. The winner will receive £1,000 and be crowned at the grand final at Thames Valley University on 13 June. His or her college or employer will also receive £1,000. Three runner ups will win £750 each. The competition will be judged by a panel of select chefs, including Craft Guild chefs Mathew Shropshall and the McCain development chef. Craft Guild Chef and judge Mathew Shropshall said: "I know from personal experience just how important student competitions are in helping young chefs stand out among their peers. This is a chance for young chefs to develop their own unique vision and sense of style in the kitchen. I am excited to see what kind of innovative dishes the contestants bring to the Signature Dish Competition." Martin Bates, CEO of Craft Guild of Chefs, added: "We are very pleased to be working with McCain to launch the Signature Dish Competition 2009. The competition provides a great chance for young chefs across the country to develop their creativity and make a name for themselves. We are calling all chefs to perfect their own unique Signature Dish." For more information on how to enter the challenge, visit or contact The Craft Guild of Chefs at