Aleisha Begg showcases her culinary talents in the FutureChef National Final.
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A remarkable achievement for young culinary talent
Aleisha Begg, a fourth-year student at Mackie Academy, has made headlines by securing her place in the final of the UK’s largest school culinary competition, the Springboard FutureChef National UK Final.
This prestigious event will take place in London next month, where Aleisha will showcase her culinary skills against other talented young chefs from across the country.
Impressive performance at the regional finals
On February 4, Aleisha demonstrated her exceptional cooking abilities at the regional finals held at Moray College in Elgin.
Tasked with creating and presenting two courses—a main dish and a dessert—within a strict budget and time constraints, she rose to the challenge with creativity and flair. Her main course featured a roast fillet of Coley, sourced from Peterhead, accompanied by warm crushed potatoes, a smoked Coley salad, tender stem broccoli, Shetland mussels, and a white wine sauce infused with dill oil. For dessert, she crafted a stunning blood orange zest cheesecake, elegantly topped with Scottish heather honey Chantilly and a chocolate crumb.
Support and mentorship pave the way for success
Aleisha’s journey to the national final has been supported by her home economics teacher, Kirsty Wilson, who has guided her throughout the preparation process. Additionally, she has received mentorship from Tyron Ellul, the head chef at The Tollbooth in Stonehaven. Kirsty expressed immense pride in Aleisha’s dedication, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Aleisha and all of the hard work, determination, and effort that she has demonstrated while preparing for this competition.” This sentiment was echoed by Head Teacher Louise Moir, who highlighted Aleisha as a shining example of a student willing to challenge herself and pursue excellence.
FutureChef: A platform for aspiring chefs
The FutureChef competition is designed to help school pupils enhance their culinary skills while fostering connections with local chefs. Participants receive valuable guidance on potential culinary career paths, including further education and apprenticeship opportunities. Aleisha’s success in the competition not only showcases her talent but also emphasizes the importance of support from educators and industry professionals in nurturing the next generation of chefs.
Looking ahead to the national final
As Aleisha prepares for the FutureChef National Final on March 24, she carries the hopes and encouragement of her school community. Mackie Academy is committed to supporting her as she embarks on this exciting journey, and all eyes will be on her as she competes against other regional winners. With her talent and determination, Aleisha is poised to make a significant impact in the culinary world.
