Vale Young Chefs turn up the heat

The battle of baking and creative cookery skills was hosted at Cowbridge Comprehensive School, with the young finalists facing a challenging task of preparing and presenting a three-course meal for two people in just under two hours, and all with ingredients costing under £20.

At stake, a place in the South Wales Final of the international competition and a chance to make it through to national finals and win a trip to Italy to meet some of the world’s tops chefs.

Vale Finals competitors were Ruby Cook and Caitlin Bowman of Stanwell School, Penarth, Pippa Hinkin Evans and Neve Riddick of Cowbridge Comprehensive and Rosie King and Amelie Deere of Llantwit Major Comprehensive School.

The heat was certainly on in the kitchen as the young chefs displayed an exceptional array of culinary genius and, after plenty of enjoyable tasting, and much deliberation, the overall winner was announced as Neve Riddick, with her menu of Chicken Satay, followed by Teriyaki Salmon with broccoli, carrots and rice, and a delicious dessert of Profiteroles with assorted toppings.

Certificates and prizes were presented by Wayne Morgan MBE, South Wales Rotary Assistant Governor.

Neve will now go on to compete in the Southern Wales Final at Ysgol Calon Cymru in Builth Wells on Wednesday 5th February.

A close runner-up was Amelie Deere, with her menu of Onion Tart, Haddock Goujons with hand-cut chips and peas followed by a dessert of Ginger Cake with a cream topping.

The competition judges, Sîan Whitefield and Samantha Morgan said, “All the competitors showed a very high standard of cooking skills that would do justice to a professional kitchen. It is wonderful to see such talented young chefs.”

Rotary Clubs in the Vale would like to thank Arboreal of Cowbridge for helping with the judging and for their support of the winner. Special thanks also to Cowbridge Comprehensive School Design and Technology teacher Nathalie Christopher for hosting this year’s competition.  

If you would like to know more about Rotary International and its Youth Programmes, please contact Rotary on email at membership@cowbridge.rotary1150.org.