Elizabeth Cathcart from Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, Belfast has been announced as the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland’s Young Cook of the Year 2014.
The prestigious accolade was awarded to the Key Stage 4 student who beat off strong competition from nine other finalists at a ‘Masterchef’ style cook–off at Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry.
Elizabeth took inspiration from this year’s theme of the FIFA Football World Cup in Brazil to create a celebratory two–course meal for four people with Latin–American feel. Demonstrating her cooking skills and nutritional knowledge, Elizabeth incorporated Northern Ireland dairy products into her menu to create a delicious, nutritious meal that impressed all the judges.
Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said:
“We are delighted with the high standard of entries from pupils in schools across Northern Ireland, and the food produced by our finalists this year has been outstanding.
“We would like to congratulate all pupils who took part in the competition, and particularly our winner Elizabeth for the skill she has shown in creating a dish that combines great taste with good nutrition. At the Dairy Council we recognise that cooking skills are an important tool to enable young people to adopt healthier eating habits, and that includes using milk and dairy products creatively to make tasty, balanced meals.”
The annual competition has been developed in consultation with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA) and supports and encourages students’ practical work in Home Economics.
Pictured with Elizabeth, left – front to back: Jessey Van Oosende Swanepoel, Bangor Grammar SchoolVirginia Corbetta, Lagan College BelfastCiaran Liddy, Rathmore Grammar School, DunmurrayAmana Salim, Collegiate Grammar School, Enniskillen
Right – front to back: Rachael Gourley, Magherafelt High School Aoife Kelly, Sacred Heart Grammar School, NewryColleen Carlin, Loreto Grammar School, OmaghJoshua Robinson, Clogher Valley Independent Christian School (KS3 winner) Katie McKeown, Ballyclare Secondary School