Kloof’s Micky Beckley takes the cake
Future chefs took to the spacious kitchen at Gecko Culinary Adventures to compete in the SPAR Junior Chef Finals on Friday 11 July.
SIX aspiring young chefs took to the kitchen to compete in the KZN finals of the SPAR KZN Junior Chef on Friday 11 July.
Ten-year-old Micky Beckley from Kloof stole the show with her delectable white chocolate and raspberry cake that impressed the judges. The Grade 5 pupil from St Mary’s DSG created the cake from scratch and topped it off with strawberries dipped in the white chocolate icing.
Mouth-watering aromas wafted around the kitchen as the determined young chefs whisked together their creations that they decided to make ahead of the competition. Once the judges had tasted all of the dishes, the aspiring master chefs were presented with a mystery dish that they had to make. The ingredients for burgers were unveiled and instructions were given as to what was expected of them.
MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson said he knows his way around the kitchen but was completely impressed with what these children are capable of.
“The end result from every single one of the junior chefs looked absolutely delicious. The way that they cleaned up their work spaces, plated their dishes wiping down any unwanted food was almost as good as what we see on Master Chef. All I can say is Deena, watch out,” said Philipson.
Eleven-year-old, Kirsten Gregory from Brighton Beach Senior Primary was second. While baking his quiche, the talented chef sang to himself. He made a ham and mushroom quiche. Twelve-year-old, Tyler Noah from Gardenia Primary, was third. He baked a coconut tart complete with shavings of fresh coconut grated on top.
The other dishes that were made were pumpkin crumpets by Ayesha Mahomed (10) from Berea West Senior Primary with secret ingredients of cinnamon sugar and syrup sprinkled on-top. Another soon to be chef, Zara-Leah Smith (10), also from Brighton Beach Senior Primary wowed the crowds with a tasty chicken a la king. Morningside Primary School’s Vivegan Mundhree (11) created a colourful fragrant dish of mini vienna stir fry.
Main judge, Queensburgh’s Jesse Felthuis from Gecko Culinary Adventures was blown away by the talent.
“I was impressed that all of the dishes were created with hardly any parental guidance. Little Micky who won, had no interaction with her mom who was there to support her, she created her cake solely by herself. That completely impressed me. The kids that came second and third had a word or a nod of advice from their support team, making Micky’s dish all the more special,” said Felthuis.
