Macclesfield College Helps Create Culinary Delight

Scott Surtees helps a budding chef

Tutor Scott passes on his hints and tips

College student Stacey Ashmore provides a helping hand

The first ever Congleton Food and Drink Festival kicked off in spectacular style earlier this summer with a mouth-watering demonstration by Macclesfield College Catering tutor Scott Surtees.

Scott wowed local foodies in the 'Taste Theatre' at the Town Hall as he demonstrated fabulous dishes such as white chocolate mousse with sparkling strawberries. As well as teaching the chefs of tomorrow at Macclesfield College, Scott is also Head Pastry Chef and Chocolatier at the Alderley Edge Hotel.

After watching the professional at work, it was then the turn of 16 Congleton High and Eaton Bank pupils as they took part in a 'Chefs got Talent' cook-off. Scott, was on hand to provide a helping hand as were BTEC Hospitality students Tom Thornicroft and Tom Gaskell, and aspiring Chef Stacey Ashmore, who has just completed her NVQ2 in Catering and Hospitality at the College.

All entrants received achievement medals and the lucky winner and runner-up who were from Eaton Bank and Congleton High School received Gordon Ramsey's Fast Food cookery book, with the winner also receiving a personalised chef's jacket courtesy of the College.

To conclude the opening day of the festival Scott took to the stage once more to create a flaming orange and raspberry sorbet, which was set on fire to great effect!

Talking about the day Scott said, 'It is always great to be able to do demonstrations like this outside of the normal kitchen environment, and especially to run a competition which may help to inspire the chefs of the future.'

For more information on Catering and Hospitality courses at Macclesfield College call 01625 410002 or see the courses section of this website.

17/09/2009