ASSIST FM Scottish School Cook of The Year 2016 

This year’s Scottish School Cook of The Year 2015 is Maria Millar of East Lothian Council. Maria beat off strong competition from 6 other school cooks from all over Scotland in the final of the competition. The competition took place at the Cook School Scotland in Crosshouse and was sponsored once again by Müller Milk Ingredients.

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This year’s Scottish School Cook of The Year 2015 is Maria Millar of East Lothian Council. Maria beat off strong competition from 6 other school cooks from all over Scotland in the final of the competition. The competition took place at the Cook School Scotland in Crosshouse and was sponsored once again by Müller Milk Ingredients.

Maria is originally from Venezuela, but came to Scotland on holiday and has never left. Now the cook at Knox Academy in Haddington, her menu consisted of a Chicken Enchiladas with Coleslaw and Strawberry Cheesecake. Maria used local Scottish carrots, onions, cabbage and mushrooms in the Enchiladas, and fresh Scottish strawberries, Scottish strawberry jam and cream. Each cook had to create a main dish and dessert within 90 minutes. A maximum of £1.60 was allowed for the cost of the meal and each cook had to comply with the primary based nutrient standards in The Schools (Health promotion and Nutrition Act) (Scotland) 2007 legislation, which is in force in all schools throughout Scotland. All entrants were encouraged to use at least one item of Scottish produce in both the main course and dessert. The competition was hotly contested. In third place was Paul Hodson of Scottish Borders Council. Runner-up was Mandy McAulay of Fife Council. Chairman of the judging panel, Joe Queen, said, ‘I wouldn’t miss this competition and was delighted to be asked to be involved for a sixth year. The standard these school cooks produce within the constraints of budget and nutritional standards are quite remarkable.’

Alan Russell, from sponsor Müller Milk Ingredients, said, ‘the standard this year was excellent and it was a very difficult decision. Congratulations go to all the cooks who took part for putting up some superb meals.’