One Pot Meal competition returns and opens for entries
The McCain Simply One Pot Meal competition has returned for a second year afterBeverley Paterson took home the top prize at last year's launch for her Leek and Mustard Vegetarian Hot Pot.
Entries are now open and Local Authority school cooks must create a one pot recipe using at least one of the products in the McCain Simply range and other ingredients to create a balanced dish, full of flavours pupils love.
Anne Bull, former LACA Chair and competition judge, said: “The competition celebrates the creativity and hard work of school cooks, as well as promoting the quality, nutritious food they produce. Schools can even use the competition to speak to parents about school meals and potentially increase uptake.”
The competition is designed to encourage cooks to discover the benefits of one pot cooking and the McCain Simply Range – quick, easy to prepare and serve dishes that overcome common challenges, such as limited kitchen space, staff resources and equipment.
Last year’s winner Beverley Paterson, from Scottish Borders, said: “I still can’t quite believe I have won! There was some tough competition as all the finalists’ recipes looked fantastic. One pot recipes work really well for us so we will be trying all of them on the menu at school.
“It has been great fun getting involved and I would really recommend that school cooks enter. It’s a chance to get creative, meet cooks from around the country and pick up lots of small tips and tricks that make a big difference to day-to-day service.”
To enter, cooks must submit a one pot meal recipe using at least one of the McCain Simply range of potato products and any other ingredients they like. Dishes must be compliant with the school food standards, and cost no more than 80p per portion.
Five finalists will be invited to present their dishes at a live cook off and judging day at cookery school Eckington Manor, Worcestershire.
The winning cook will receive a culinary trip for two to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage HQ and their recipe will be published along with the other finalist’s dishes. The winner will also be invited to LACA and/or Assist as a guest of McCain to showcase their winning dish.