Bolton's best school chef revealed

19th July 2010, 11:37am

Eight school chefs from across Bolton battled against each other in a recent cook-off final held in Westhoughton High School to be crowned the “best in Bolton”.

Each cook had just one hour to cook a starter and a dessert for a school pupil using fresh ingredients. Dishes had to cost no more than £2 a head and the details of each dish were kept a closely guarded secret until judging day.

The meals were judged on a number of criteria including flavour, presentation, nutritional balance and creativity. 

And the winner was Julie Edwards, a mobile manager, currently working at Ladybridge High School. 

She rustled up a main course of ham, cheese and tomato roll, with chocolate and coconut balls for dessert. 

She said: "I feel brilliant, I can't believe I've actually won as the competition standard is so high. I entered last year and I didn't even get close so this is just amazing.

"I really enjoy cooking and I'm a healthy eater at home. School meals both taste great, use fresh ingredients and they're healthy."

Bolton Council's executive member for environmental services councillor Akhtar Zaman added: "The standard was exceptionally high and my congratulations to the winner and everyone who got to the final. This was a chance for school chefs to show just how talented they are at cooking up nutritional, high quality and tasty meals on a fixed budget."

"Our school dinners have been voted the best in the country which is a real testament to our chefs and latest figures show that we're well above the national average for meal uptake and more pupils are tucking into a healthy, quality school meal."

Recent figures announced revealed that 53.3% of primary school children are opting for a school meal, compared to the national average of 41.4%.

In secondary schools, 57.8% are choosing school dinners, a figure far greater than the national average of 35%.

Related Articles:

• 10 Jan 2011 - Bolton Council's school meal catering service scoops top award
• 04 Jan 2011 - Hot school dinners extended in Bolton
• 06 Oct 2010 - Nine year old student from Horwich wins prize to cook with chef Gino D'Acampo
• 01 Sep 2010 - Eden Foodservice entices Truro pupils to eat at school with new healthier menu

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