Introduction

James Martin with one of last year's contestants

WHAT IS IT?

The competition, which is completely free to enter, invites students to put forward an original recipe using Quality Standard beef mince.

The students submitting the best entries will be invited to the regional cook-off finals (taking place in December 2008) where dishes will be judged by James and our top panel of experts.

Beef and Vegetable Balti

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The cook-off will require students to prepare, cook and serve their original recipe for the judges' ultimate taste test.

The students will be marked on kitchen etiquette, originality and nutritional value, taste and presentation.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Register your school by July 4th 2008
Enter selected recipes by October 17th 2008
Winning contestants to be notified by November 7th 2008
Regional heats to take place December 1st, 2nd and 3rd 2008

TEACHING

The new secondary curriculum, to be introduced in Key Stage 3 from September 2008, strongly emphasises practical cooking skills and will include creativity, nutrition, and sensible food shopping.

The Quality Standard beef mince Young Chef Challenge competition provides an opportunity to inspire students, trial new ideas and incorporate the key concepts into your lessons or as a homework task.

For lesson plan and homework inspiration including cultural understanding, Olympics 2012, regional classics and airline meals download our information pack:

Young Chef 2008 information pack