Celebrity chefs challenge Ballymoney students

Celebrity chef Neven Maguire is urging Ballymoney students to prove they have a ‘recipe for success’ as the entry deadline fast approaches for the prestigous ‘Takeaway My Way’ Schools Cookery Competition.

The competition - co-ordinated by safefood and St Angela’s College, Sligo – is challenging all post-primary school students on the island of Ireland to produce healthy, home-made, low cost versions of their favourite takeaway dish.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, 21st March and 32 finalists representing Junior and Senior categories will have the chance to cook their dish at the all island finals in May for a panel of judges, including Neven Maguire.

Competition prizes include iPads, vouchers for cooking equipment and an exciting class trip to Neven Maguire’s cookery school.

Fiona Gilligan, Director, Marketing & Communications safefood, said: “Learning to cook and eat healthily are skills that can last students a lifetime. We would encourage all Ballymoney students, whether studying home economics or not, to grab an apron, pick their favourite takeaway dish and show us their passion for food by entering the competition.”

Amanda McCloat, Head of Home Economics Department at St Angela’s College, said: “Young people need to develop the practical food skills to create healthier alternative take away dishes for themselves, family and friends, and this competition enables them to showcase their passion for healthy cooking in a fun way.”

Annika Latimer from Enniskillen Grammar School won the Senior Category in 2012 when her recipe for Cheesy Chicken Goujons with home-made sweet potato rustic fries served with a flavoursome pea puree was chosen from almost 900 entries.

Students can submit their recipe online at www.safefood.eu/takeawaymyway.

An online e-recipe book featuring the tasty recipes of last years 32 finalists’ can be downloaded at: www.safefood.eu/flipbook.