Niamh's recipe for success

Nova student in regional final of FutureChef 2015

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Car, train, taxi and finally… a tractor… to get to our destination of River Cottage HQ down in Axminster. What an adventure! Connecting trains departing before we can board them with our saucepans, and finally re-ticketed onto a secret train route – it certainly had the makings of a magical mystery tour.  

We arrived at River Cottage as the furthest northern entrant in the South West of England regional final of Springboard’s FutureChef 2015. Niamh proved to be a champion, participating under immense pressure in a completely unfamiliar kitchen and under the scrutiny of a panel of high profile judges.  The opposition was strong and the end results, after 90 minutes in the intense heat of the kitchen, were nine different main courses and desserts for two covers. Niamh was a very creditable runner up with the judges finding it very hard to identify the eventual winner.  Niamh’s menu was:

Marinated Venison Steaks in Red Wine Jus on Leek Fondue with Mushroom Barquettes & Parsnip Puree

followed by

Spicy Sticky Toffee Pudding & Muscovado Cream

with

Cinnamon Pannacotta  & Praline Tuile

As part of her prizes, Niamh is the proud owner of a set of chef whites and apron, embroidered with her name.  She has also been offered potential opportunities for a future apprenticeship within the trade.

Mrs Camm (Faculty Leader - Technology)