Masterclass pupils cook up a treat with maple syrup

Masterclass pupils cook up a treat with maple syrup

A group of Dudley schoolchildren were the latest to experience a UCB culinary masterclass as they worked with chefs to cook spicy jerk chicken burgers with maple slaw.

The event was run in conjunction with Maple from Canada, sponsors of UCB's Young Chef of the Year competition.

The youngsters from Ellowes Hall High School worked alongside Dean of the College of Food at UCB Neil Rippington and David Colcombe, UK chef ambassador for Maple from Canada.

David said: “The maple masterclasses are a terrific way to engage with young people and teach them vital cookery skills.

“We have seen some great young chefs with huge enthusiasm for working with food and we look forward to seeing some of these young people enter the UCB Young Chef of the Year competition. I would encourage anyone with an interest in cooking to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

One of those who is looking forward to pitting her wits against other Year 10 and 11 pupils from across the region is Lydia West, who has already shone in a Bake Off competition at Ellowes Hall.

She said: “I really enjoy cooking at home and I’ve already entered the Young Chef of the Year competition. Catering is one of the career options that I’m looking at.”

Now in its third year, the competition is open to young chefs aged 14 to 16 who can either be put forward by their school or enter independently.

All entries must be submitted online via UCB’s website by Friday 9 November and contestants must outline a two-course menu featuring a hot main dish and a hot, or cold, dessert – all for just £10. One of the dishes must feature Canadian maple syrup as a key ingredient. Maple from Canada represents all Canadian maple syrup brands looked after by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, which supplies 72% of the world’s maple syrup.

Children with the best menus will be invited to take part in cook-offs at UCB on Saturday 1 December, with the final taking place on Saturday 26 January. Food costs for the cook-offs will be reimbursed.

Find out more about Young Chef of the Year and how to enter.