A school chef from Nantwich wowed the judges with her tasty meal on a budget to make it through to the regional final of School Chef of the Year.
Sam Costa, who heads the kitchen at Pear Tree Primary in Stapeley, produced a tasty dish of rainbow rice and creamy coconut chicken.
She wowed the Cheshire East panel by turning the maximum budget of £1.35 into a two-course meal fit for young foodies.
To top it off, Sam’s desert was a winning tropical fruit pudding with grilled pineapple.
Sam said: “I’m delighted my dish was chosen but it wasn’t easy. The budget we were given is very tight so I had to make sure that I sourced the very best produce at the cheapest possible price.”
The contest is open to all kitchen-based staff employed by members of the Local Authorities Catering Association.
Sam’s dish will go on to compete in the regional heat with the final held next year.
Judging is based on eight strict criteria that range from flavour and presentation to the ability to make the dishes en masse in school.
Mayor of Cheshire East Cllr Roger West, who presented Sam with a plaque, said: “We are extremely lucky to have such talented chefs in our schools. I wish Sam all the very best and sincerely hope she reaches the finals next year.”
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