December 2021
Yasmine serves up university exam menu to bag MasterChef quarter-final spot
By Darren Campbell
Share post:Read time: approx 1 mins
A University College Birmingham student has wowed the judges on TV show MasterChef by preparing for them the same menu that helped her complete her foundation degree.
Yasmine Selwood secured a quarter-final spot on the latest series of the BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals last week, recovering from a difficult start in the opening technical challenge by perfectly preparing the two dishes from the final exam of her Professional Chef FdA course.
The mum-of-four, who is now studying the final year of a Culinary Arts Management BA (Hons) degree at the University, was also dubbed "Superwoman" by judge Marcus Wareing during her first appearance on the show for her ability to juggle her busy family life with work and her studies.
"The one thing MasterChef has done for me is really allow myself to see what I'm capable of"
Yasmine's two-course menu for the signature dish round featured pan-seared brill with fresh podded peas, runner beans and asparagus, served with a white wine and miso fish sauce split with a dill oil – described by Marcus Wareing as "the dish of the day, because she got every element right".
Her dessert consisted of a caramelised white chocolate mousse with blood orange jelly and an orange butter biscuit, with judge Monica Galetti praising her dish for having "the most flavour, taste and texture" of the round.
That performance saw Yasmine progress through to last Friday's episode – and although the quarter-final proved to be the end of her MasterChef adventure, she revealed how the experience has provided a big boost for her future.
![](/media/2uyhdaxk/yasminemastercheftweet.jpg?width=540&height=720&format=webp&quality=80&v=1da5f461ed25060)
"The one thing MasterChef has done for me is really allow myself to see what I'm capable of," she said.
"Now that I've tasted that, I don't see how I could possibly go back!"
Yasmine was supported throughout her MasterChef journey by chef lecturers from the University's Birmingham College of Food, as well as being able to train within the specially-designed competition kitchen at Summer Row, which is also used by contestants preparing for the prestigious Bocuse d'Or contest.
Reflecting on Yasmine's performance in the series, chef lecturer Mat Shropshall said: "Yasmine produced her own food on MasterChef to the standards our chef lecturers teach in the kitchens, but she has added her own style and influences.
"I thought once the nerves had gone from the first challenge, she went for it!"
Chef lecturer Richard Taylor added: "Yasmine has been an excellent student and a great ambassador for the Professional Chef FdA course.
"She has always given 100%, been inspirational for all students and a true professional in all she does. She fully deserves all the success in life whatever path she now takes, and I wish her all the best for the future."
Yasmine follows in the footsteps of many other former University College Birmingham students to have appeared on MasterChef: The Professionals over the years, including 2019 contestants Monty Stonehewer and Alice Tapiwa Makahamadze, as well as former finalist Claire Hutchings, winner of the MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch special two years ago.
You can watch back Yasmine’s winning performance in the MasterChef heats on the BBC iPlayer website here.
University College Birmingham is renowned for providing specialist vocational training for students looking to enter the culinary industry, with world-class facilities and expert tuition provided on a range of college, undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as apprenticeships.
Discover our full range of courses within our Birmingham College of Food.
Check out our latest news stories
![](/media/wl4ddhsk/bake-off-professionals-ajay-petra-bharat-john-thumbnail.png?width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac942fb497210)
Bakery stars are cream of the crop on Bake Off: The Professionals
Birmingham College of Food has two teams of ex-students on Bake Off: The Professionals this year, with the teams of Ajay and…
Read more![](/media/mhjhxz42/daniel-bennett1_main.jpg?rxy=0.440804522009316,0.4013469595520576&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac19144847100)
Graduate Daniel celebrated in top 30 under 30 rising stars in hospitality
Hospitality graduate Daniel Bennett has been recognised as one of 30 of the industry’s top rising stars under the ag…
Read more![](/media/pepjuqls/construction-students.jpg?rxy=0.493360439709569,0.38828354556657396&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac6ec6b89deb0)
Green Construction Advisory Panel Midlands launches at University
The panel comprises training providers, building services, housing, and construction businesses, and is supported by governme…
Read more![](/media/2kce2xce/warwick-bbq-4.jpg?rxy=0.6492623170053277,0.5481218997752085&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac6f9feac1de0)
University College Birmingham and University of Warwick celebrate partnership
Over 100 students and staff from across University College Birmingham and University of Warwick enjoyed the event…
Read more![](/media/mahbuovq/dk1.jpg?rxy=0.5155216719682082,0.26383574214958755&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac642284e9230)
Blog | Being an LGBTQ+ student celebrating the beautiful month of Pride
The purpose of this blog is to celebrate Pride Month and share my experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community here…
Read more![](/media/pduhnebi/gbsiothubopening1.jpg?width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1da5f4661e380e0)
FE Principal and Dean for STEM makes Top 100 Women in Engineering list
Rosa Wells is a Highly Commended Finalist of the Women's Engineering Society's Top 50 Women in Engineering awards as par…
Read more