On the hunt for a master chef (From Romsey Advertiser)

On the hunt for a master chef

3:20pm Saturday 14th April 2012 in Hampshire Business By Richard Garfield

THE search is on to find Hampshire’s most talented amateur chef.

Newlyns Farm Shop and Cookery School has launched The Newlyns Hampshire Amateur Chef 2012.

With a focus on using Hampshire produce, it is open to chefs aged over 18 who live in the county, Abby Janaway, from the North Warnborough family-run business, said: “We are holding the competition to coincide with the Hampshire Fare Food Festival which takes place in July.

“And given the success of Masterchef on TV, we felt we wanted to offer our own version and try and find a budding Hampshire chef.

“The first round of the competition will be to design and create a menu for a starter and main course meal or main course and pudding using two or more Hampshire ingredients in each course.”

This stage is part of the application process and the lucky four finalists will be asked to come to the cookery school, for a live cook-off final round.

The final is set to take place on Saturday July 7, when those competing will be asked to prepare two dishes in front of a panel of judges.

“They will be asked to do a skills test in 15 minutes and an ingredients test before they complete their two dishes,” explained Abby.

“Those taking part will be judged on creating two recipes for a two-course meal using two or more Hampshire ingredients in each course and showing knowledge of local ingredients.”

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 1.

For further details and to download an application form visit newlyns-farmshop.co.uk.