S1/2 pupils at Preston Lodge had the opportunity to submit a recipe of their choice and creation as part of a national initiative (Active Kids Get Cooking) supported by Sainsbury’s.

Pupils entered as part of the level 1 Bronze award, with ideas for using Local Produce and Hearty Soups. They had to consider healthy eating, food selection, planning, cooking and presentation. They also had to ensure safe and hygienic working practices.

Five pupils were then selected to take part in the School ‘Cook off’

Eilidh Alexander – 1Gr3 – Homemade Scotch Broth

Ashton Ritchie – 1Gr3 – Stuffed Butternut Squash

Courtney Ritchie – 1Gr3 – Sweet Potato, Carrot & Ginger soup

Sam Donaldson -1Se1 – Smoked Fish Cakes

Fraser Woods – 1Gr3- Clapshot Pie

The pupils created their dishes within 1hour 15minutes ready for the judges to undertake the very difficult task of deciding on the winners. The judges included Mr Stewart, Mr Galbraith and Mr Don Ledingham (Director of Education). They all agreed it was a very high standard.

The eventual winners were Courtney for the Hearty Soups section and Sam for the Local Produce section.

All entries will receive their Bronze award certificates shortly.

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For more information log on to www.activekidsgetcooking.org.uk

Lee stars in the Kitchen

Enthusiastic young chef Lee Sneddon received a framed certificate and a Gift Voucher for £25 when he won the Longniddry and District Rotary Club’s Young Chef competition held at Preston Lodge School on the 14^th January. The runner up was Sean Gaffney who also received a framed certificate and a gift voucher for £20.

The competition, which was entered by three girls and three boys, was judged by John Cleary who provides the catering at Craigielaw Golf Club and Hilary Cochran from Knowes Farm and Shop who also presented the awards to the winner and runner up respectively. President Peter Wood presented all the entrants with certificates, recognising their participation.

The organisers, the Club’s Youth Opportunities team chaired by convener Charles Simpson, appreciated the feedback from the Preston Lodge teaching staff that the pupils had enjoyed the experience, which they felt, was a genuine competition.

The event is part of a Rotary District 1020 initiative to encourage the development of life skills and the next stage is the zone competition at which the winners from Penicuik and Dunbar High Schools will compete with the Preston Lodge winner at Preston Lodge in early February