Mark Wilkinson wins 2009 NACC Care Cook of the Year

14th July 2009, 7:26am

Mark Wilkinson, who works for Northwood Nursing & Residential Home, Blackburn, had the recipe for success, winning the final of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Cook of the Year competition.

Mark came up trumps with a menu of grilled trout, wilted spinach & leeks, mashed potato and sauce verige, followed by summer fruit pudding with Cornish clotted cream.

The creative caterer travelled to Birmingham on Thursday July 9th to take part in the care industry's premier culinary contest.

Mark was among six finalists who qualified for the final cook-off from a nationwide entry. The competition was open to all care sector caterers, who were invited to produce a menu suitable for a designated care sector client group.

The contest is organised by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), and supported by The Worshipful Company of Cooks. The aim of the contest is to raise the profile of this sector of the catering industry, and highlight the varied culinary skills and talents of cooks in the care sector.

Sue Ullmann, National Chair NACC, commented: "The depth of skill in the care industry has been highlighted today. The contestants have brought their skills they utilise everyday in the workplace, to the competitive arena, and once again highlighted the creativity that is so often under valued in this sector.

"As the government puts its Improving Nutritional Care Action Plan into place these six finalists are an example of the quality of staff employed day in day out across Britain, in residential homes, children's centres, day care and community meals establishments. They should also be the benchmark for which every establishment must aim for as we all strive to improve nutritional care for those in our care"

Mark said on winning: "I'm thrilled to have won the title of Care Cook of the Year, and have been able to demonstrate the skill I use in my workplace to a wider audience."

Derek Johnson, Deputy National Chair and competition organiser, added: "Every year, the quality and variety of dishes the cooks produce on such a tight budget seems to push the barrier higher. The budget may seem small but it is a reflection of the size of budget care caterers face every day in providing nutritious and appetising meals to some of the most vulnerable people in residential and community care."

Related Articles:

• 25 May 2011 - NACC launches petition to raise awareness of malnutrition
• 19 Jul 2010 - NACC Care Cook of the Year winner announced
• 19 Jul 2010 - NACC Care Cook of the Year winner announced
• 11 Sep 2009 - Duchess of Cornwall becomes honorary member of NACC

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Simon Ellis

14 July 2009 at 10:48am

Well done Mark - this competition goes a long way to highlight the high quality of catering that goes on daily in the care environment - more power to your elbow. The NACC should also be praised for its efforts to raise the profile of this 'Cinderella', and often overlooked, sector, as well as that of the Community Meals Service. Mr. Brown, Are you listening......

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