Cooking under pressure is no mean feat when you are only 13 years old, but Julie Blevin, a grade six pupil from Umhlali Prep, stayed cool and walked away as the deserved winner of the Hirsch’s and Defy Junior Super Chef competition in Ballito on May 12.
Not only did she win herself a Defy hand blender and hamper, but this young cook will go on to compete in the regional finals at the East Coast Radio House and Garden Show on July 3.
Ten contestants, ranging in ages from eight to 13, battled it out in the competition. They had to show off their cooking skills, using a mystery bag of products and cooking on a Snappy Chef induction plate and Defy Microwave Air Oven to impress judges.
The judges were the award winning chef and owner of Harvey’s Restaurant, Andrew Draper, Lemon Canary owner Kerry Ebb, Cake Man Durban and Chef of the Year 2014/2015 Kevyn Bys and David Hoehler, food critic from the North Coast Courier.
The competition was coordinated by the Hirsch’s team and Fine Young Cooks owner, Lewaine von Alleman, who was extremely proud of Julie as she is one of her former pupils.
Andrew Draper said that he was extremely impressed by the high standard of preparation and cooking.
“Their adaptability was incredible. These kids are 100 steps ahead of us and a lot more sophisticated in their taste and cooking skills than we were at the same age. We were especially impressed with the sauces – containing just the right amount of spices and flavouring. The contestants have really done themselves proud!”
Second place went to 13-year-old Kaitlyn Damant from Ashton and third was Benjamin Pilz from Umhlali Prep.
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