Search is on to find Kent’s best young cooks

The judges were hot under the collar for the Kent Cooks summer launch.

Members of the judging panel had a taste of what’s in store for youngsters taking part. They were challenged to create the best lemon curd at an event staged at Chequers Kitchen Cookery School.

The judges called for youngsters aged between six and 19 years to follow their example and cook up a storm this summer. Top prizes include a share of £500.

The panel included Leah McDonald of Three R’s Teacher Recruitment; Jack Harland and Jane Barlow of Benenden Hospital Trust; David Hoeseason of Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel; Darren Tutt from FFK Catering; Deborah Sparkes of Suzanne Howe Communications; Sarah Jane Leipnik of Golding Homes; and Laura Anthony and Julia Hallett of Whole School Meals.

Competition categories include primary school; secondary school; and families for adult-and-child entrants, with the accom- panying adult being a parent, guardian, special educational needs coordinator or family liaison officer.

Entrants are required to prepare meals to a fixed budget and upload images of their masterpieces at kentcooks.co.uk along with a description of cooking methods. All entries will be published on the website as online recipe cards.

Kent Cooks is organised by the KM Charity Team with the backing of organisations including SE Medical, Orbit, Licensing Consultancy Services, NFU Mutual, East Kent College, The Southern Co-operative, and Brakes.

Event organiser Maxine Tarquini from the KM Charity Team said: “We are expecting a range of abilities but we are particularly looking for entries that show creativity and an awareness of healthy eating and locally sourced ingredients.”

Teachers or guardians can help entrants to complete the online entry form before the competition deadline of November 7. This year, entries received before September 1 will go into a prize draw to win a pair of Eurostar tickets.

The best entrants will be invited to make their dishes for the judges at a live final at East Kent College in November.

To enter, view previous entries or request free promotional leaflets, visit kentcooks.co.uk.

Picture: Martin Apps FM4801430 The launch of Kent Cooks at Chequers Cookery School in Deal