Care Cook of the Year 2015 finalists revealed

After beating off competition in several regional heats, the finalists of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Cook of the Year 2015 have been revealed.

The 11 finalists will now compete for the title on Wednesday 10 June in a live cook off at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy while being watched and judged by a panel of experts.

The winner will receive a trophy and a prize package in recognition of their ability to create an exceptional meal within a budget that is nutritionally balanced and suitable to be served in a care home environment.

Finalists will have to create a meal that will cost no more than £1.50 per portion based on four residents eating and serve the dish after a time limit of 90 minutes of preparation time.

Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, comments: “Catering within the care sector requires specific skills and knowledge to ensure that the dietary and nutritional needs of the elderly and vulnerable are met. Important factors such as nutrition, budget restrictions, specific dietary requirements and needs, such as dementia, dysphagia and fortification, menu planning and regulations must be understood. They must also possess the culinary ability and flair to consistently create great-tasting and attractive food.

“The NACC Care Cook of the Year competition enables care cooks and chefs to showcase this knowledge and talent that the sector holds in abundance, whilst also raising the profile of this incredible and valuable sector of the industry. I congratulate all of this year’s finalists for their fantastic achievement so far in the competition. They are fine examples of best practice and excellence and I wish them all the very best for their preparations for the final. I very much look forward to what is sure to be a thrilling day.”

The 11 winners from six regions will now spend time preparing for the final in June. The competition is now in its fifth year.