180 second year pupils have taken part in the initial rounds of the competition run by the Home Economics department as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.  

Pupils took part in the ‘Dine in with Me Challenge’ where they were asked to come up with a main course that showed off their culinary flair in the kitchen whilst encouraging home cooking and the use of fresh Scottish ingredients.  Pupils competed in class heats initially whereby the top 15 dishes were selected for the final.  Ross Morrison (head chef) at the Lairds House in Blairgowrie worked with the final 15 pupils to give them advice on how to enhance their dishes for the final. 

Our winner was Charlotte with her dish Rack of Lamb with Asparagus Parcels and Dauphinoise.  Well done to her!

Mrs Smith (Principal teacher of Home Economics) said “The whole experience fits in well with promoting ‘Wider Achievement’ in our curriculum. I am really impressed with the pupils, it was a difficult decision to select the top 15 pupils given the high standard.”

The judges were Mr Bill McNicol (Executive Head Chef, Huntingtower Hotel, Perth), Mr David Cochrane (Head Chef, Dalmore Inn and Restaurant) and Kevin Reid – RAF chef, Edinburgh.  Bill told us “It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm and talent in our youngsters and I hope to see some of them pursuing a career in hospitality.”

Tayside Contracts awarded a trophy for the Healthiest Dish on the day to link in with promoting Healthier food choices.  The Rotary Club of Blairgowrie  have donated specially embroidered chefs whites and hats for all the finalists and Kenneth Allan, TA HW Irvines butchers  has sponsored a visit to Nick Nairn cook school for winner. 

Other sponsors of prizes are RAF Careers Dundee ,HE Departments Gala Dinner fund, Robert Smith Contractors and Mrs Lynn Smith,  Tescos Stores and the Local co-operative store.

Thanks to everyone involved .