Perfect pudding in chef contest

Janice Russell, who works at Maltby Academy, was nominated for the competition by her manager.

She went to Hull College last week to compete in the regional final for the Yorkshire and Humber region.

“We had to come up with a two course meal for £1.50 to feed an 11-year-old in just one and a half hours,” said Janice.

And Janice came up with quite an exciting menu, far removed from what you might think of as a typical school dinner.

“For the main course I decided to make a gratin of flaked salmon with chorizo, served with a hint of lemon and parsley mash,” said Janice.

“And then for pudding I did a filo basket filled with a medley of fruits.”

“We wanted to come up with something that, as well as being tasty, was also suitable for diabetics.”

But despite her efforts, Janet was pipped to the winning spot by cook from Reeth Community Primary School in Richmond in North Yorkshire.

She served up a Wensleydale and Yorkshire ham tart with sweet potato mash followed by rhubarb and raspberry custard roulade.

And although Janice didn’t win the overall title, she was highly commended by the judges for her dessert.

“It was really good fun and I enjoyed coming up with the menu ideas and taking part,” said Janice.

“This was the first time I have ever taken part in something like this, but now I’ve experienced it I would love to have another go next year.”

The competition is organised by LACA - the association represents the School Food Industry.

To find out more about the competition, the 12 regional winners and the overall final, visit www.laca.co.uk