Cooking up a storm
A Larkhall hospitality student struck gold at a prestigious culinary competition in London.
Shannon Lippiat, who attends South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride, took part in the event at Excel Docklands.
She went along with her college chef lecturer David Auchie and won three silver medals and also struck gold as best in class for her threecourse vegetarian menu submission.
During the two-day event, Shannon competed in four different disciplines, including the‘junior Poultry Challenge’and the‘lemon Sole Challenge’, where she secured two of her three silver placings.
She said:“i was excited to participate at this prestigious event. I was anxious at the level of work involved and the time constraints on me.
“However, after the encouragement I received from chef Auchie, I was really up for the challenge.
“The set-up for the competition was intense. There was a five-minute turnaround between the poultry and lemon sole challenges, however, I remained calm and focused throughout.
“On completion of the poultry challenge, I tidied my kitchen area and set up again for the sole one. My adrenalin got me through. At the end of day one of competition I was thrilled to secure two silver medals for my fish dishes.”
On day two Shannon participated in her first ever live cook-off for the‘lamb Challenge’, where she was given 45 minutes to prepare, cook and present two portions of lamb in two alternative ways. She created loin and seared cutlet of lamb, celeriac, mustard and horseradish relish with a potato and cabbage cake and char-grilled asparagus.
Shannon added:“following the challenge I was
Hospitality student Shannon Lippiat and her awards truly delighted to win my third silver medal of the event. And after a busy couple of days and just before I caught my short flight home, I prepared my first ever static display in aspic (food dressed in a savoury jelly made with meat stock).
“After a nervous wait, I couldn’t believe it when I was announced as Gold and Best in Class for my three-course vegetarian menu. It was the greatest feeling ever.”
Proud lecturer, chef David Auchie, spoke of his delight at Shannon’s success.
He said:“shannon is a dedicated student both in the classroom and at competitions, she always gives her heart and soul to every dish she creates.
“The mouth-watering menus she produced and prepared, in such a short period of time were outstanding and everyone at South Lanarkshire College shares in her success.”