Four teenage girls battled one another to be crowned the Havering Young Chef of the Year last week in a spice-filled cook-off.
Havering college hosted the competition which was judged by world-renowned high end chef and local lad, Paul Gayler, who has awarded an MBE for his work in 2012, and Glenn Norman, the Head Chef of one of Essex’s finest restaurants, Mason’s in Brentwood.
With such big names critiquing the dishes, the pressure was on for the young students to deliver a professional standard meal.
The top honour was given to 15-year-old Drapers’ Academy student, Sophie Ferrier, who wowed the judges with her own ding ding beef curry and wild rice followed by a creamy cinnamon creme caramel desert.
“I couldn’t believe it when I won,” gushed Sophie who was stuck to her seat in shock when her name was announced.
“The other girls were all so good and I just didn’t think it was going to be my name they called.”
The runners-up were Sophia Negri, 13, of Brentwood County High School, Holly Fay and Annaliese McAplin, both 16 and both of the Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School in Upminster.
Sophia presented a wonderful teriyaki salmon followed by a chocolate mousse and peanut biscuits.
Holly served up a delicious Moroccan lamb with cous cous and a chocolate ganache with cream and strawberries.
Finally the judges were treated to Anneliese’s sweet potato and prawn curry with naan bread and a desert of rich hot chocolate soufflé.
The contestants, their families and the judges were all invited to a slap up meal at the college’s Jubilee restaurant, cooked and served by students, where the winner was announced.
Sophie will also be joining Havering College as a student next year.
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