KIRKTONHILL, Scotland – Scottish Chefs (Federation of Chefs Scotland), the organisation representing Scottish chefs, last year teamed up with Nespresso Professional for the first ever student coffee challenge, and today announces the return of the competition. As Scottish Chefs celebrates its 30th anniversary, the winning recipe will be included in a special anniversary cookbook, as well as receiving a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college, and a bespoke pastry chef masterclass to further refine their skills.
Last year, the winning team from Edinburgh College, Milton Campus, each received an invite to the Scottish Culinary Team dinner at Prestonfield House Hotel where they met Michel Roux, Patron of Scottish Chefs, and were presented with a signed book from him, plus a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college.
To enter the competition, teams must be made up of three students, all in full time catering and hospitality college courses, and submit an afternoon tea selection with savouries and Nespresso pastries. Six teams will then make the final which will be held at Milton College, Edinburgh, where teams will be given two hours to produce their afternoon tea selection for a judging panel including Joe Queen, Chair of The Scottish Chefs Culinary Committee, Kevin MacGillivray, International World Chefs Accredited Judge, Derek Johnston, the first winner of BBC MasterChef The Professionals, and Donna Dowson, Head of Sales UK, Nespresso.
The winning menu from Ana Fernandez Santoz, Niamh Bortherston and Mairi Edwards last year was made up of Tiramisu x Mont Blanc, Coffee Apple Choux au Craquelin, Smoked Mackerel and Beetroot Tart and Puff Vegetable Samosa.
Donna Dowson, Head of Sales UK, Nespresso, said: “It was a privilege to support this competition last year, and help support the next generation of culinary superstars. We can’t wait to once again be inspired by the imaginative menus to complement our coffee. We would encourage anyone to enter, as this year the competition is extra special with it being the 30th anniversary of Scottish Chefs and the chance to be included in the anniversary cookbook.”
Joe Queen, Chair of the judges, said: “We are absolutely delighted to once again partner up with Nespresso on this competition and help ignite the imagination of students to develop new ideas and combinations, with an afternoon tea to compliment Nespresso’s coffees. For anyone looking to pursue a career in hospitality, the competition offers a great chance to showcase talent, so I would encourage all aspiring to chefs to enter.
To enter please email Joe Queen at joeq@archerfieldhouse.com your entry including full recipes and method. The closing date for entries is Friday 27th September. Entries will be paper judged and then six teams will make the final which will be held at Milton College, Edinburgh on Monday 11th November.
