Barchester Homes 'Chef of the Year' heat

Barchester Homes used UCB’s kitchen facilities to host their competition for ‘Chef of the Year’ award 2014 as part of their annual care awards. 

Five chefs from Barchester care homes from across the UK put their culinary skills to the test for the chance to win this coveted title. They were given a ‘mystery box’ of ingredients and each contestant had three hours to produce four portions of the following dishes: a soup, a chicken-based main, a pastry-based dessert and a puréed diet dish that would be suitable for some of their elderly residents. 

Celebrity chef Paul Rankin was part of the judging panel, assessing the competitors on a range of criteria including planning, inspiration, texture and consistency. 

Brian Lane, Chef Trainer for Barchester Homes, said: “The competition is a bit of fun for our chefs, who are employed at different sites. It is a chance for them to get together and cook some good, honest food as well as a good opportunity for them to showcase their skills and share recipes.