Gainsborough: Local lad in cook-off to find the nation’s future chefs

Aiden Burnand is a finalist in the Red Tractor beef and lamb Make it with Mince Challenge 2013, spearheaded by celebrity chef James Martin.

Following hundreds of entries from schools and youngsters across England, 56 budding young chefs were shortlisted to take part in six regional heats.

The 14-year-old, with his dish Beef Rendang with homemade chapattis, will compete in a regional cook-off, where James will judge the recipes and crown a regional winner who will then be in the running to be named national champion.

The champion will get to spend a day in London with James and attend the filming of Saturday Kitchen Live, meet the guests and chefs on the show, and sample menus at some of the capital’s top restaurants.

The Red Tractor beef and lamb Make it with Mince Challenge, now in its eighth year, is a free-to-enter initiative aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds who are eager to showcase their culinary skills.

The main aim of the challenge is to inspire young people to get hands-on cooking experience, while educating them of the importance of good nutrition, quality ingredients and understanding of where food comes from. James Martin said: “Each year the standard gets higher and higher and the quality of entries we’ve received this time is superb.”

“It’s been a real challenge choosing finalists from such a talented group, as the huge variety and creativity in submissions, from modernised traditional dishes to innovative new conceptions, is second to none.”

“I am really looking forward to the cook-off with Aiden and can’t wait to sample their final beef and lamb mince recipe.”

“This competition is something that I passionately support as it is vital that we encourage young people to experiment in the kitchen and develop their knowledge of purchasing, preparing and cooking quality food,” he added.