McCain Simply One Pot Meal winner revealed
Beverley Paterson from Scottish Borders, beat school cooks from across the UK to be crowned the winner of the McCain Chef Solutions Simply One Pot Meal Competition for the second year in a row.
Her one pot recipe, Gnocchi, Bac & Cheese, a twist on Mac n’ Cheese, stood out from the crowd and won over the judges at the final cook off at Eckington Manor, Worcestershire, on May 26th, where Masterchef: the Professionals’ winner, Mark Stinchcombe, is head chef.
Judge Anne Bull, said: “This year’s competition was difficult to judge because all five finalists brought inspirational and creative one pot recipes to the table.
“Beverley’s twist on Mac n’ Cheese took the prize because she experimented with a dish that kids already love, making it more nutritious and full of amazing flavours.”
Julie Beeson from Surrey Commercial Services, Karen Clark from Cambridgeshire Catering Services, David Gower from Hertfordshire Catering Limited, Rose Khan from Barking & Dagenham Catering Services, and last year’s reigning champion, Beverley Paterson from Scottish Borders, took part in a live “Masterchef” style cook off in front of a panel of industry expert judges, including Anne Bull, former LACA Chair and former Head of Catering and Schools Facilities Services for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council; McCain Development Chef for education, Adele Procter; and Judy Gardner, founder of the Eckington Manor Cookery School.
Each recipe had to be cooked in one pot using at least one McCain Chef Solutions Simply product, along with other ingredients, to create a balanced dish, full of flavours pupils love.