Make your mind up says celebrity Baker

Singer and television presenter Cheryl Baker is backing the competition which aims to develop a passion for cooking and healthy eating among Kent’s youngsters.

Cheryl, who shot to fame with 80s pop group Bucks Fizz, is an Honorary Patron of the KM Charity Team - the organisers of the Young Cooks contest.

The star, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, said: “I presented a children’s cookery programme for five years in the nineties called Eggs ‘n’ Baker, which encouraged children to learn to cook. I wholeheartedly support and encourage children to cook.”

Cheryl, who continues to tour with band mates Jay Aston and Mike Nolan as The Fizz, also appeared in series 7 of BBC One’s Celebrity MasterChef.

“I understand the pressure of cooking in a competition,” she said. “But I am sure the children and families invited to the finals of Young Cooks will love the experience.”

Young Cooks Finals 2018 from Inspire Schools on Vimeo.

To enter, pupils must prepare a tasty and wholesome meal to a fixed budget and upload their recipe details plus a photograph of the dish to the Young Cooks website. School staff, parents or guardians are welcome to assist pupils with completing the simple online form.

The contest is open to those aged between 6 and 19 years and the three competition categories are Primary School and Secondary School; and Families for adult-and-child pairings. The adult accompanying the young cook in the Family category can be a family member or guardian, teacher, family liaison officer or special educational needs coordinator.

Entries are judged on presentation, creativity, healthy ingredients and knowledge of locally-grown Kentish produce.

Primary School entrants are required to cook one dish while those entering the Secondary School or Family categories must prepare two dishes.

The best entries will earn pupils their places in an exciting MasterChef-style final at East Kent College where they will receive goody bags packed with cooking-related prizes. Finalists will prepare their menus in a professional kitchen for a panel of judges in a bid to win a share of the £500 prize money - and the Champion's Trophy.

Event organiser Hannah Hawksworth said: “This competition is a great way to encourage an interest in cookery and help children to learn about nutrition and healthy living. The Young Cooks website is packed with information including previous entries for inspiration - and schools can request free promotional leaflets to issue to local families or pupils.”

Visit the Young Cooks website to enter before the deadline of midnight on Wednesday 6 November.

The KCC-supported publication Developing an Educational Legacy details how this initiative (formerly known as Kent Cooks) links to Ofsted.

Contact Details

Hannah Hawksworth
Telephone: 01227 475953
Email: hhawksworth@thekmgroup.co.uk