Three Glasgow schoolgirls have proved they can handle the heat in the kitchen after beating Brian in a competitive cook-off.
Sixteen-year-olds Erin Curle, from Pollockshields, Kathryn MacNaughton and Rhian Evans, both from Cambuslang, went head-to-head with Brian Maule; owner and head chef of award-winning Glasgow restaurant Le Chardon d’Or.
The contest, which was held at all-girls’ school Craigholme in the city’s Southside, was judged by radio Clyde presenter Suzie McGuire and celebrated the opening of Craigholme’s new home economics department.
The girls, working with their home economics teacher Hilda Magill, challenged Brian to dish up a healthier main meal than their own creation in less than 30 minutes from a set list of ingredients comprising fresh, Scottish produce.
Neither team was aware of what the other was preparing until the cook-off began, with Suzie tasked with scoring both teams out of ten based on taste, creativity and presentation.
Erin, Kathryn and Rhian served a mouth-watering fillet of salmon with a side of Colcannon, parsnip and carrot matchsticks, and a garnish of honey and soy sauce glaze with a lemon wedge dipped in chopped parsley while Brian prepared roast salmon with braised cabbage and carrot, and roast parsnips.
It was a closely fought contest but in the end the girl’s had Brian licked, scoring a perfect 10 to his nine for a dish that judge Suzie said offered a ‘flawlessly presented, healthy twist to a traditional favourite’.
Suzie added: “Both teams produced fantastic, tasty meals that looked irresistible, which is why I felt they deserved high scores and I couldn’t fault either for their creativity.
“I think there was some expectation on Brian’s part, but I was amazed at how composed the girl’s were throughout the morning – I don’t think I would have been so calm if I was cooking against one of Scotland’s leading chefs.”
Brian said: “Using fresh ingredients that are in season is the simplest way to create wholesome, tasty meals which are quick and easy to prepare.”
“I’m delighted that Craigholme is committed to healthy eating and although I’ve cooked in some of the best kitchens in Europe this challenge was as difficult as any I’ve faced – not least because I was up against six pairs of hands!”
“The result aside, the real winner is Craigholme, which will benefit from its fantastic new home economics department, and I hope this event will encourage as many pupils as possible to have a go at making simple, quality meals that are good for you.”
As part of a £200,000 investment in new facilities this term Craigholme has built a state-of-the-art home economics department at its St Andrew’s Drive site in Pollokshields.
Craigholme Principal Gillian Stobo said: “It has been fantastic having a chef of Brian’s calibre lending his support to the school. Brian’s input reinforces our message as a health-promoting school and our new home economics department is testament to the quality and level we are working at.”
