The Belconnen Fresh Food Markets is again presenting this year’s Teen Chefs competition to help nurture the values of good eating. It’s your chance to win some great prizes, but also to learn just how cheap an amazing and healthy meal can be.

With thanks to the 2014 sponsor, Julian Barrington Smith from The Good Guys in Tuggeranong, Teen Chefs is back for a sixth year, and is looking bigger and better than ever! The rules remain the same, though: In groups of four, Teen Chefs requires students in Years 9-12 to work together and create the most delicious and enticing three-course meal. Our young cooks have to utilise the amazing produce that the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets is known for… without breaking the budget of $60.00.

This Year’s Cook-off
We’ve collected a whole new panel of judges as well, who are looking forward to seeing what local students can serve up under the pressure of their wise and knowing gaze. Does it sound simple? Well, how do you think you would go with this year’s compulsory ingredients: Cavolo Nero cabbage, Nashi Pears and Thyme? This is going to be a tough challenge and the judges will be looking across all aspects of preparation and presentation to determine who takes this year’s title.

It’s never too early to learn about cooking, and Teen Chefs is a perfect way for kids who are passionate about food to showcase their skills and learn more about fresh produce and how to integrate different flavours. Despite the fact our chefs might have every little detail planned out, this year the surprise element returns: while our finalists are treated to a master class to further develop their knowledge, they will also learn a fourth dish which they must cook along with their three course menu on Finals Day.

Well, if you can’t stand the heat…

The Importance of Nutrition
Given Canberra school canteens have been labelled as the unhealthiest in Australia (Jamie Oliver would be appalled!), this competition has a whole new importance. Teen Chefs teaches students the value of fresh healthy food and just how easy it is to include in your everyday diet. As convenience food becomes even more convenient, and the world slowly catches onto the horrors of our fructose-heavy diets, this is an important lesson.

Teen Chefs also fits right in with the philosophy of The Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. By hosting the competition here, the students have the opportunity to source, use and (most importantly) learn about local produce. With a new focus on ‘food-miles’ and the increasing awareness of the dangers of food processing, the fresh smell, flavours and delights of the local markets will be front-and-centre as the young chefs rush to put up the perfect plate.

The Winners
This year, students will be treated to a variety of prizes. Each student from the winning team will receive a tablet each, as well as a signed cookbook from Jamie Oliver for the school, four signed celebrity cookbooks and the coveted Teen Chef’s trophy and a whopping $1,500 from The Good Guys in Tuggeranong.

So what are you waiting for? Get your friends together and start planning your recipes now!

Details on how to enter Teen Chefs can be found on our website www.teenchefs.com.au.
Here are the key dates:

Entries Open: Monday 4 August
Entries Close: 5.00pm Wednesday 13 August
Finalists announced: Friday 15 August
Market Tour/Masterclass: 2.00pm Wednesday 20 August
Final Cook-Off: Wednesday 27 August (9.00am – 4.00pm)