Compass chef wins Discovery Foods’ gourmet wrap challenge

Karlene Gaskell from the Compass Group has won the title of the UK’s most inspired creator of gourmet wraps and the top prize of a cooking masterclass with award winning chef Peter Gordon at his newest restaurant Kopapa.

The competition, in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs, asked chefs and caterers to create a recipe for gourmet wraps using the innovative more. by Santa Maria range to help excite the wrap market in the UK. Gaskell took first prize with her recipe for slow braised pork belly in cacao and chilli spice mix served in a spinach wrap with a side salad of Chinese leaf, wasabi and sesame.

The judging panel, which included Gordon, Craft Guild of Chefs CEO Martin Bates and Ashley Pinder, head of foodservice at Discovery, commended Gaskell on a creative and high quality wrap that delivered in terms of presentation, taste and innovation.

Her one day masterclass with Gordon enabled her to demonstrate her skills in creating, preparing and serving fusion inspired menu options based on exciting spice blends including those in the more. by Santa Maria range.

Next for Gaskell is a visit to Santa Maria's new innovation centre and spices factory in Sweden, where she will be given the chance to develop her very own signature spice blend. She also receives a complimentary 12 month membership of the Craft Guild of Chefs.

The five runners up will receive a Gourmet Wraps gift box containing a recipe brochure full of menu solutions, as well as a mixed case of six more. by Santa Maria spices and a signed recipe book by leading chef Marcus Samelsson.

Words: Sheila Eggleston

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