A talented young chef from Mackie Academy, Aleisha Begg, has recently secured her spot in the upcoming Springboard FutureChef National UK Final. After impressing judges with her culinary skills and flavors at the regional finals in Elgin on February 4, Aleisha will be heading to London next month to compete against other talented young chefs from across the country.
During the regional finals, Aleisha was tasked with creating and presenting two courses—a main dish and a dessert—while adhering to strict budget and timing constraints. For her main course, she cooked a roast fillet of Coley from Peterhead, accompanied by warm crushed potato and smoked Coley salad, tender stem broccoli, Shetland mussels, and a white wine sauce with dill oil. Her dessert was an exquisite blood orange zest-scented cheesecake with Scottish heather honey Chantilly and a chocolate crumb.
The FutureChef competition not only allows school pupils like Aleisha to showcase their cooking skills but also helps them develop industry connections with local chefs. Participants also receive valuable guidance and support on potential culinary career paths, including opportunities for further education and apprenticeships.
Aleisha’s Journey to Success
Throughout her preparation for the competition, Aleisha has been supported by her home economics teacher, Kirsty Wilson, and mentored by Tyron Ellul, the head chef at The Tollbooth in Stonehaven. Kirsty expressed immense pride in Aleisha’s hard work, determination, and dedication, noting the countless hours she put into perfecting her dishes. The school values of teamwork, integrity, commitment, and excellence, according to Kirsty, are epitomized by Aleisha’s efforts.
Head Teacher Louise Moir echoed this sentiment, praising Aleisha for her achievements and willingness to challenge herself. Aleisha’s dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, and she has the full support and encouragement of Mackie Academy as she heads to the final competition in London. Special thanks were extended to Miss Wilson, Tyron Ellul, his team at The Tollbooth, and Graeme Strachan and his colleagues at Springboard for their contributions to Aleisha’s success.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
As Aleisha prepares to compete in the FutureChef National Final on March 24, she will face off against other regional winners in a high-stakes culinary showdown. The final competition in London promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the top young culinary talents from around the UK. With her impressive skills, creativity, and dedication, Aleisha is well-positioned to make a splash at the national level and further solidify her reputation as a rising star in the culinary world.
Aleisha’s journey from the regional finals in Elgin to the upcoming national final in London is a testament to her passion for cooking, her hard work, and the support she has received from her mentors and school community. As she represents Mackie Academy on a larger stage, Aleisha’s culinary prowess will undoubtedly shine bright, captivating audiences and judges alike with her innovative dishes and culinary flair. Stay tuned to see how this talented young chef fares in the prestigious Springboard FutureChef National UK Final.
