Business

World Cup inspires the winning dish

BELFAST student Elizabeth Cathcart from Aquinas Grammar School has been named the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland's Young Cook of the Year 2014.

The accolade was awarded to the Key Stage 4 pupil who beat off strong competition from nine other finalists at a Masterchef-style cook-off at Sacred Heart Grammar School in Newry. Elizabeth took inspiration from this year's theme of the World Cup in Brazil to create a celebratory two-course meal for four people with Latin-American feel. Demonstrating her cooking skills and nutritional knowledge, Elizabeth incorporated dairy products from the north into her menu to create a delicious, nutritious meal that impressed the judges. Dr Mike Johnston, chief executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said: "We are delighted with the high standard of entries from pupils in schools across Northern Ireland, and the food produced by our finalists this year has been outstanding. "We would like to congratulate all pupils who took part in the competition, and particularly our winner Elizabeth for the skill she has shown in creating a dish that combines great taste with good nutrition. At the Dairy Council we recognise that cooking skills are an important tool to enable young people to adopt healthier eating habits, and that includes using milk and dairy products creatively to make tasty, balanced meals."

The annual competition has been developed in consultation with the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA) and supports and encourages students' practical work in home economics.

* CREAMING THE COMPETITION: Key stage 4 pupil Elizabeth Cathcart from Aquinas Grammar School in Belfast celebrates after being announced as Dairy Council for Northern Ireland's Young Cook of the Year. Elizabeth beat off strong competition from nine other finalists at a Masterchef-style cook-off at Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry by creating a two-course meal using local dairy products