Scouts from 5th/8th Kendal faced stiff competition but emerged victorious at last weekend’s Cumbria Scouts Annual Cooking Competition with their three course meal winning over the judging panel including local celebrity chef Peter Sidwell.
The young people, without adult support, had to cook a three-course meal for two people for under £12.00 in just 90 minutes and only had a camping stove to cook on. The event was hard fought and very close, but in the end the scouts from Kendal (representing their local district) reclaimed the trophy they first won two years ago.
The judges, local chef Peter Sidwell, Westmorland Limited CEO Sarah Dunning, Cumbria Scouts County Commissioner Eddie Ward Liam Edgley, Cumbria Scouts Youth Commissioner, were all impressed by the scouts’ teamwork as well as their perfectly cooked poached egg, great use of a smoked fish and delicious custard.
Liam Edgeley, County Youth Commissioner said “the teamwork and level of skill displayed by the scouts was incredible! Today’s cooking was massively different from the traditional scouting meals of beans and bacon buns, but it just shows that when scouts work together anything is possible. The food produced wouldn’t be out of place in a top end restaurant.”
Rachel, leader of the victorious Kendal team said “I was so pleased that the team worked so well together, we enjoyed our day and the result made all the work we have put in that mush more pleasing. Huge thanks to everyone who made the day and our result possible”.
Eddie Ward added “there was some really amazing culinary skills on display today, especially given the constraints of a two-burner stove. I and my fellow judges were very impressed at the quality of the meals produced, but moreover were extremely impressed by the teamwork on display. These 10 to 14-year olds demonstrated great skills for life thanks to the empowerment and training gained through Scouts. I am already looking forward to next year’s event! We are extremely grateful to Cumbria Scouts Ambassador, Sarah Dunning OBE for once again allowing us to hold the event at Rheged and to TV chef Peter Sidwell for being our head judge.”
The team of scouts will hold the trophy for the next 12 months before teams from all across the county will come together to showcase their culinary skills once again.
1st – 5th/8th Kendal, Kentdale District
2nd – 1st Petteril Vale, Eden District
3rd – 3rd Duddon, SW Lakes District
2nd Seascale, Western Lakes District and Dalston, Reivers District also competed.
To find out more about your local scout group and how to volunteer, visit www.cumbriascouts.org.uk or visit Cumbria Scouts on Facebook.
