Ten students picked for great potato final
Following a flood of recipe ideas from catering students across the country, ten budding chefs have now been selected to take part in the Great Potato Challenge grand cook-off final for 2009.
Student chefs were challenged to create a tasty, potato-based main course dish to liven up menus, while encouraging them to broaden their understanding of the different potato varieties, their different tastes and textures and the cooking methods that best suit them.
The ten chefs are now preparing and practising ahead of the cook-off final on 23 February, where they will serve up their dishes to a panel of expert judges.
As well as winning the title of Great Potato Challenge Champion 2009, there are first, second and third prizes on offer of £500, £300 and £200 respectively, plus all finalists will receive a seven piece knife set, donated by catering supplier 3663.
Heike Kroemer, Potato Council marketing executive, said: "The response to this year's competition has been overwhelming; we were delighted to receive so many well thought out and inspirational potato-based recipes. The range of varieties and different cooking methods demonstrated the true versatility of the potato, which is after all, the aim of the Challenge.
"We want to get young chefs thinking more about potatoes and what they can offer to different meal solutions. While chips dominate the foodservice sector, such a versatile and cost effective ingredient can really add value to any kitchen.
"It is clear that there is some great enthusiasm and ideas coming through the younger generation, as demonstrated by our finalists. We wish them all the very best of luck at the cook-off."
The grand final of the Great Potato Challenge and announcement of the overall champions takes place on 23 February 2009. The ten finalists are:
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GREAT POTATO CHALLENGE 2009 FINALISTS
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Ross Waite
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Basingstoke College of Technology
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The Hampshire Potato Gratin
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Kallaya Smillie
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Ayr College
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Red Rooster and Dunsyre Blue Potato Cake with Truffled Spinach, Petite Ratatouille an Roast Red Pepper Dressing
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Rosie Mason
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Barnfield College
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Apple Potato Cakes with Pork and Asparagus
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Jamie Cooper
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Canterbury College
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Chicken Stack with Walnut Croquettes
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Jack Rawlings
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Westminster Kingsway College
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Crispy Potato and Purple Sprouting Broccoli Tart with a Potato, Beetroot and Artichoke and Herb Salad
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Chris Price
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Swansea College
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Stuffed Red Pepper
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Robert Gibson
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Radbrook College
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Smoked Appleby and Potato Soufflé and Wild Mushroom Cannelloni, Mushroom Foam
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Angela Anderson
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Adam Smith College
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Individual Anna Potato filled with Roast Vegetables, Crisp Salad and Balsamic Dressing
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Dan Chalenor
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University College Birmingham
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Potato and Celeriac Gratin, Red Pepper and Tomato Ragout
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Lison Deham
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Hastings College
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Potato Nest
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Words: Clare Riley
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