Teen cook-off

 

 

Anna Farrell's mousse on praline layers with compote helped her win first prize, including £250 and a trip to Italy.

T eenagers aren’t usually renowned for their culinary skills, but 12 of the best showed the judges they were hot stuff at the final round of a youth-oriented cooking competition sponsored by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI).

The contest, aimed at promoting healthy eating and culinary skills among young people, gave the finalists two hours to cook a three-course meal for two on a budget of £14.

The eight girls and four boys had cooked their way through club, district, and regional heats, beating nearly 1,500 other contestants ages 17 and under to make it to the finals in Lutterworth, England, on 5 May. After much tasting and cogitating, the winner was announced: 14-year-old Anna Farrell, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aylesbury Hundreds.

“I am so shocked. I thought I had no chance,” Anna said after being presented with the trophy. Her lemon blini, roulade of chicken, and praline and hazelnut mousse earned her £250; a day of culinary experience at the restaurant Fifteen in London, where chef Jamie Oliver is a trustee; and a trip for two to the olive harvest in Tuscany, Italy.

The judges were celebrated chefs Peter Begg and Alberto Conti, both from Fifteen, and Walter Zanré, country manager of Filippo Berio Olive Oil, a cosponsor of the contest.

“I have a teenager at home who can hardly boil an egg, so I am totally knocked out by the elaborate dishes here, which would grace any table at Britain’s top restaurants,” said Zanré.

Begg was equally impressed: “In a country where food takes a bit of a pasting, it’s fantastic to see young people come through.”

Former culinary instructor Linda May, of the Rotary Club of Blaby Meridian, coordinated the competition, and 2006-07 RIBI President Peter Offer said the organization was proud to help sponsor the event.