Budding Tunbridge Wells chef set to compete in the Kent Young Chef Award 2012 Live Cook Off

Eight young students from across Kent - including one from Tunbridge Wells - are just days away from competing in the dynamic and electric Live Cook Off in the Kent Young Chef Award 2012 at K College Tonbridge on Friday 23 November 2012 – from 10am-2pm.

The kff and Opies sponsored competition, devised by Produced in Kent, attracted over 100 entries from 23 different schools across the county as young people between the ages of 11 and 16 set out to create an original main course recipe featuring local Kentish and seasonal Autumnal produce.

Now the eight youngsters, aged between 11 and 15, who penned the most original recipes will cook up their creations in front of an audience of supporters, judges and VIPs including celebrity TV chef  and Kent restaurateur Richard Phillips, the Deputy Mayor & Mayoress of Tonbridge & Malling and Mark Dance the Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development. 

Over the past four years, Produced in Kent's competition has helped reconnect young people with Kentish seasonal ingredients that are grown and reared in the county and has inspired a generation of young people and aspiring young chefs. 

For many of the finalists the Live Cook Off represents a pivotal moment in their lives. Competitor Christopher Smith from the Harbour Specialist School, Dover, who has flourished since discovering cookery, said: "I love cooking and eating my food. I would like to win this competition for my school, and for my family. It would be a great personal achievement.'

Eden Allsworth of Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne, said: "Winning would give me opportunities to showcase local ingredients and be part of Kent's culinary heritage. I have wanted to be a chef for as long as I can remember. Growing up surrounded by people with a passion for cooking has inspired me to follow my dream." 

WHO ARE THE FINALISTS?

Junior Category

Benjamin Colley (Male)

Fallow Deer Wellington - The Skinners' School, Tunbridge Wells

Connie Dayman (Female)

Herb crusted Trout with creamed Horseradish Potato and Braised Leeks

Combe Bank School, Sundridge, Sevenoaks

Amy Monk (Female)

Spinach, Goats Cheese and Mushroom Ravioli with Cobnut Pesto, Cream and Basil Sauce with Rosemary and Black Olive Beer Bread

Invicta Grammar School, Maidstone

James Thorne (Male)

Saddle of Marsh Lamb stuffed with Mint and Kentish Apple on a pillow of Saffron infused Potato Puree surrounded by Carrot & Parsnip Croutons sprinkled with Kentish Cobnut and Kentish Ale Lambswool Sauce

Ashford School, Ashford

Senior Category

Eden Allsworth (Female)

Duo of Pan Roasted Belly of Pork & Line Caught Sea Bass with Apple Wood Smoked Mash and Medley of Autumn Vegetables

Highsted Grammar School, Sevenoaks

Charlotte O'Connor (Female)

Red Tractor Lamb -The Knole Academy, Sevenoaks

Christopher Smith (Male)

Lamb Wrapped Chicken - Harbour Specialist School, Dover

Jordan Winter (Female)

Handmade Spinach Ravioli filled with Kent sourced Sweet Potato and Spicy Pumpkin served with a roasted Garlic & Tomato Sauce and Streaky Bacon

Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge