Shannon's recipe for success

A catering student from Warrington Collegiate is tasting success cooking her way to victory in the North Cheshire heat of the prestigious Futurechef competition.
The competition, organised by the Springboard Charity, is a nationwide culinary programme that helps young people from the ages of 14-16 cook their way through a series of challenges, providing invaluable lessons and insight into the culinary industry.
Shannon won the regional heat of the competition hosted at the collegiate campus after judges James Holden of the Craft Guild of Chefs and Everton Head Chef Gareth Billington tasted a variety of culinary delights prepared by students from across Cheshire.
Shannon, who is only 14 years old and studying for a Diploma in Hospitality at Warrington Collegiate was challenged to create the two course meal to serve four people in nder two hours.
Her stunning ballantine of chicken, sundried tomatoes and oregano with a chocolate soufflé for dessert won her the North Cheshire title and a spot at the North West regional final in February next year. The winner of this heat then moves on the National Final in London.
Shannon McCarthy said: “I love cooking and I love food so it’s great to win a competition that involves the two things I’m most passionate about.
“It was pretty nerve racking cooking for these judges but I’m really glad they liked my dishes. I know the challenges in the next leg are going to be tough but I’m really up for it.”
Lesley Wilson, Deputy Director of Catering comments: “Shannon is very talented and we are proud her talents shone through in this competition. She has only been at the college for 8 weeks, but has shown such great skills, motivation and maturity that we really wanted to enter her.
“She shows competency and knowledge beyond her years and we’re looking forward to nurturing her talent along with that of the other students on the course.”