Pupil Emma creates a stir in cook-off

Noodle dish and dessert praised

An aspiring young chef from Braco is tasting success after winning her school’s annual cook-off.

Talented Emma Keith (11) won first place at the Bridge of Allan-based Beaconhurst School’s cooking club contest after impressing the judges with her oriental stir fry and a ‘floating island’ dessert.

Each competitor had to create a two-course meal of their choice on a budget of £10 in just two hours, and were marked on technique, presentation, cleanliness, housekeeping skills and taste.

Emma said: “I was delighted to win and I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the cook club.

“Before the final, I went through lots of recipe books at home and picked out a stir fry which included chicken, garlic, ginger, sesame and noodles.

“I tried it out on my parents who enjoyed it and then made it for the contest and I was just ecstatic when I was told I was the winner.”

Marie Brunton, the school’s catering manager who runs the cook club, said she was impressed with Emma’s dessert of homemade meringues and custard, and added they were “absolutely delicious”.

Mrs Brunton said: “Emma was the clear winner of the competition, her presentation was very good, her housekeeping was excellent and her food tasted great, plus she made everything from scratch.

“I liked the fact that she was always thinking ahead, she knew exactly what she was doing and also went the extra mile to make sure everything she created was really special.”

Emma’s mum Dawn Keith said she likes to take advantage of her daughter’s talent at home.

She said: “Emma’s always had a keen interest in cooking and has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the cook club.

“We’re so proud of her and what really impressed me was the way she picked out her recipes herself and followed the instructions to a tee.

“She even made custard from scratch and the noodle stir fry was amazing – we’ll definitely be asking her to make that dish again!”