We are looking for enthusiastic students from Years 8 & 9 to enter the regional Create and Cook competition. 

Here at school we will be holding a Varndean Create and Cook competition.  The 1st round is paper based entries and design ideas,  then the first semi final cook off,  with the final deciding the winning teams to go through to enter the national Create and Cook competition. 

What you need to do: find a team mate - 2 in a team, no less, no more; attend the three workshops detailed below to acquire or hone your skills, on paper, devise a 2 course summer themed menu using as many local seasonal ingredients as possible and submit this by Monday 8th February. Cook offs will begin after half term. 

Launch workshop: Wednesday 13th January, 3.30-4.30pm - after-school launch with skills workshop and local food demonstrations to include preparing a live Crab and filleting fish skills. Learn all about the competition and what's involved, also there will be tasting and hands-on experience whilst having the opportunity to talk about local food and suppliers. 

Workshop 2: Wednesday 20th January 3.30-4.30pm - founder of the Create & Cook competition, professional chef and champion of local ingredients Andrew Mackenzie from Drakes will be in school to do a local food demonstration!

Workshop 3: Wednesday 27th January 3.30-4.30pm - further food and skills demonstrations along with a Q&A session.

All entries must be completed by Monday 8th February using the official entry form - contact us for a copy or download from here. Judges will then make a short list and notify the contenders with up to 6 teams of two being selected.

The semi final will take place for the teams on 24th February 2016. The strongest teams will then progress through to the final with a chance to represent the school with their entry into the national competition. The finalists will receive master classes on their chosen dish, service and table set up prior to submission of the menus into the national competition. To find out more, speak to Mr Desborough in Food Technology or Mr Hancock in the canteen.