The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers launches college competition
Maple Products from Quebec has partnered with the University College Birmingham to find the UCB Young Chef of the Year 2018.
The competition is open to pupils aged from 14 to 16, and is being supported by the federation through its brand Maple Products from Quebec.
The pupils with the best menus, for which the budget is £10, will be invited to take part in cook-offs at University College Birmingham (UCB).
David Colcombe, UK chef ambassador for the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, will help judge the entries with UCB's Culinary Team and join the judges for the cook-offs. As part of the Young Chef of the Year competition, Colcombe will also conduct a series of maple masterclasses, focusing on practical cookery skills, at eight West Midlands schools.
The grand final will take place at UCB's College of Food on 20 January 2018, where the budget is increased to £15. The winner will walk away with a £1,000 prize fund of cookery equipment vouchers for the top-placed pupils' schools, an iPad Pro and trophy.
All finalists will be presented with a UCB/Maple Products from Quebec branded chef jacket.
Serge Beaulieu, president of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, said: "Cookery teaches young people valuable skills that stay with them for life and it will be great to see how the competitors incorporate pure, natural maple syrup into their dishes and learn to cook with this versatile ingredient."
Colcombe added: "Maple Products from Quebec is delighted to partner with UCB and help develop the next generation of chefs. Maple syrup is a wonderful, pure ingredient, with lots of interesting culinary applications for savoury dishes and desserts."
Neil Rippington, Dean of UCB's College of Food, said: "The UCB Young Chef of the Year competition is a great way of getting young people involved in practical cookery. We saw some highly innovative dishes in our inaugural contest last year, reflecting a great range of techniques and cultural influences.
"The competition can be used by schools as a fantastic learning exercise and we would encourage teachers and pupils to make the most of this fantastic opportunity."
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