More than 30 pupils from years 4,5 and 6 have entered our “Hitcham’s Head Chefs” contest. Aged 8 to 11, the children compete in their own year groups and have to independently prepare and cook either a savoury or sweet dish. They’re using our school’s classroom kitchen that was opened in January this year, and a catering professional from the local community – including Mrs Chapman, our own head cook – will judge the meals and choose a winner.
Mr Barry Jones, the landlord and chef at The Railway Inn in Framlingham who judged the first week of competition said: “It was one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever done! I had to choose between a vegetarian spaghetti Bolognese, a shepherd’s pie, sausages and mustard mash with onion gravy, and a cauliflower cheese. The children were all very organised and skilful, and made their dishes to a very high standard – I’d have been happy to serve them in my own pub.”
One of the Year 6 chefs said: “I love cooking and like to help out at home. I was really excited to enter the competition and it’s been great fun!”
Mrs Cooper, DT co-ordinator, is organising the competition with help of Mrs Mawson, the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator and also from fellow staff members Mrs Jenkins and Miss Dineen (who also run the popular Cookery Club with Mrs Skeggs). Mrs Cooper said: “We’ve all been so pleased by the positive response from the children. They’ve been very keen to get involved and have shown dedication, skill and enthusiasm in equal measure. And, the samples I’ve tasted have been delicious!”
In future weeks, pupils will compete in the savoury category with dishes such as grilled salmon on broad beans with potatoes, stir fried beef with fresh mushrooms, and chilli crab linguine. The sweets on offer will include apple crumble, cappuccino brownies, and chocolate éclairs.
Competition schedule – afterschool from 3.00 – 4.30pm
Friday 18, 25, September, 2, 9, 16, October and Thursday 22 October and 5 November
Photos from the first week ...
