Macclesfield College catering students were treated to a live demonstration recently by TV chef Sophie Wright, and also took part in a practical master class led by local chef and business woman Leah Stevenson.
Students filled the Silk Room Restaurant training kitchens as Sophie cooked dishes from her book ‘Easy Peasy Cooking’, which she released in October 2008, including Seared Scallops, Roasted Pousin and Chilli Baked Pineapple.
Sophie is one of the UK's most successful young chefs and regularly appears on shows such as ITV’s Daily Cooks and UKTV’s Market Kitchen. At 20 she was one of the youngest head chefs in the country and regularly tours UK Colleges, in partnership with Electrolux Professional.
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| TV chef Sophie Wright shared her culinary secrets |
The 22 year old chef said: ‘It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to come to Macclesfield College and give a little knowledge back to the next generation of chefs and caterers. I hope I have demonstrated how passion and hard work can go along if you want to become a successful professional chef.’
Students also got to mix, grate, stir and pipe as they were treated to a master class in baking and decorating elegant cupcakes by Leah Stevenson, owner of Leah’s Pantry, a cookery school and catering business which she runs from her family farm in Kerridge.
Leah, 25, was employed as Harrods' confectionery buyer and has trained with Slattery's Manchester. She was voted Best New Entrant to the Industry in the Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills and Cheshire Rural Woman of the Year and her Pantry has recently featured in Good Food Magazine.
Anne Sully, NVQ Catering tutor, commented: ‘Sophie and Leah’s visits were part of the College’s Industry Week and have really inspired students showing them how drive and determination can lead to successful careers in catering.’
For more information on catering courses at Macclesfield College call 01625 410002 or see www.macclesfield.ac.uk
