Niamh McCrossan from Aquinas Grammar School, Belfast has been announced as the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland’s Young Cook of the Year 2013.
The prestigious accolade was awarded to the Key stage 4 student who beat off stiff competition to triumph over twelve finalists at a cook off in Thornhill College, Derry/ Londonderry.
Niamh took inspiration from this year’s theme, which celebrates that Derry/Londonderry has been awarded the honour of the first ever UK City of Culture for 2013. All budding chefs were encouraged to chose an event from the activity calendar and put their cooking skills to the test by creating a two course meal using Northern Ireland dairy products to entertain friends who will be watching the celebrations. Demonstrating her cooking skills and nutritional knowledge, Niamh creatively incorporated dairy products in her Mediterranean Lamb Cutlets main course to create a high quality, nutritious meal that impressed all the judges.
Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said:
“Each year we are delighted with the high standard of entries and nutritional knowledge and cooking ability demonstrated by pupils in schools across Northern Ireland.
“We would like to congratulate all pupils who took part in the competition, particularly our winner Niamh for the flair she has shown in creating her delicious meal, which used fresh, local dairy products, essential for development as well as maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.”
The annual competition has been developed in consultation with the Education and Library Boards and supports the Home Economics curriculum at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
For the finalists gallery click here
Pictured: Niamh McCrossan, Aquinas Grammar School Belfast; Dairy Council Vice–Chairman Harry O’Neil; and chef Ian Orr from Brown’s restaurant in Derry/Londonderry and a finalist in the Great British Menu BBC TV series.