A WOMAN from Anglesey was one of 11 school chefs across the UK who competed at the LACA School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) 2023 final.

Joanne Cox, from Ysgol Y Graig in Llangefni, took part in the competition, hosted by LACA, the leading professional body for the school food sector.

The competition focuses on the skills and talents of chefs across the education sector and their role in providing nutritious, high-quality and well-balanced meals for children and future generations.  

With entries to the 2024 competition – its 30th anniversary contest - now officially open, Joanne is urging other school chefs across Wales to register their interest.

READ MORE:

Nude calendar by ‘breast friends’ in North Wales raises nearly £19,000

‘I have no words’– The Vivienne after drag star’s attacker spared jail

She said: “I entered SCOTY to make my kids proud, first and foremost, but also to put Anglesey and North Wales on the map.

“The buzz of the whole competition was out of this world and the overall experience was truly amazing.

“It encourages you to think outside the box, allowing you to put your creative stamp on school food; it puts your name out there to the wider industry and also your school; you get to meet other talented chefs and learn all about the nuances in school catering; and finally, you meet lots of great people and build friendships.

“My advice for other school chefs considering entering the competition is don’t be scared. It opens a whole new chapter of opportunity to push yourself and reinforce the message that we’re chefs, not dinner ladies or gents.”

At the national finals, Joanne produced a main dish of Moroccan apricot and chickpea ravioli with spiced lentil sauce, lemon and herb ribboned vegetables and coconut peshwari, followed by a dessert of layers of berries, fruit jelly and Angel Delight topped with banana ice cream.

Her dishes have now been featured in a new recipe book produced by the competition’s headline sponsor Bisto, from Premier Foods Foodservice.

Created to mark the launch of the competition’s 30th anniversary, the new book shows the talents of school chefs and aims to inspire a new cohort to enter this year’s event.

The recipe collection highlights the passion and skill school chefs bring, to consistently provide nutritious, high quality and well-balanced meals for children.