28 November 2012 Young Chef Competition at Dunblane High School

Rotary young chefs whip up healthy options

Three students from aged between 11 and 17 years - Stephanie Verall, Lauren Beech and Antonio Mackenzie - put their considerable culinary expertise to the test in the first round of this year's Rotary Young Chef Competition.

            The event, which was organised by the Bridge of Allan & Dunblane Rotary club, was held at the on Wednesday 28 November.

The club Community committee convenor John Kilby said that the national competition promotes healthy eating. "It is quite a challenge for these young people," he said, "because each contestant has to produce a two-course meal - main/dessert, costing under  £10 - in just two hours.

"They are judged on a number of criteria including choice, skills, neatness, presentation, food appearance and, of course, flavour! The final results were amazing, really restaurant quality. They were a credit to the contestants and their home economics teacher Sheila Nairn, who generously hosted the competition and who is always so helpful and enthusiastic."

The meals were judged by Shaune Hall, chef lecturer at - and the winner was Stephanie Verall (16). Her meal was (see enclosed pic) main: thai chicken stir-fry with rice; dessert: white chocolate and lime cheesecake with a ginger base served in a chocolate bowl. Prizes of vouchers were awarded by club secretary Iain Fraser. Stephanie will also receive a special Rotary club embroidered chef's apron.