Cook’s tasty treats up for schools award
A CHEF is hoping to cook up a storm as she battles to become the best in Britain when it comes to the school canteen.
Emma Atkinson, 38, of Cheadle Heath, will take part in the Local Authorities Caterers Association school chef of the year competition today.
She is employed by Solutions SK and head cook at Lark Hill Primary, on Northgate Road, in Edgeley.
Emma has already won through the north west round with a menu of ‘posh’ toad in the hole and is hoping it will do the trick again at a national level.
It involves sausages in a red onion and thyme batter and then dessert is a caramel rice pudding.
Rules of the competition state that the 10 contestants must cook a meal suitable for an 11-year-old but use no more than £1.60 per child.
But these limitations do not stop the chefs from coming up with some exotic sounding treats - rival dishes will include taste of Thailand chicken delight, chicken charmoula in an aromatic sauce and a ‘fire-cracker’ curry platter.
Judges include a primary school pupil, professional chef and an employee of competition sponsor Nestle.
Emma said: “I was really overwhelmed to win the regional final, the judges said it was a good traditional meal.
“The theme was that free schools meals have been made compulsory again like 70 years ago. So I looked at meals from then and tried to bring them up to date.
“I always put the effort in to my job. I garnish food and do little things to encourage the children to try new food.”