Third time lucky for school chef?

A Shalfleet School cook will be hoping it’s third time lucky when she appears in the 2022 School Cook of the Year competition final.

Wendy Lohse, from Bouldnor, has won her regional heat with a ‘grab and go’ dish of ‘Quick Quorn Cakes’ – lightly fried Quorn fishless cakes served with cucumber relish and a spicy mayonnaise followed by Balinese Quorn Satay with yellow rice and green beans, served with a fresh sambal.

Her dessert was a chewy gooey ginger ice cream sandwich with mango custard ice cream and fresh fruit and lime gels.

Wendy has reached the final twice before and said: “This is the first time I have won the regional. Previously, I squeezed through by the skin of my teeth with a wildcard.

“This year there is a new ‘grab and go’ category, so it’s a different challenge and very exciting.

“But with my experience, I feel more relaxed and know what I’m getting into. I also know what the judges are looking for.

“My dishes, in the final, will be the same as the regional and I had huge compliments for my fishless cakes and the dessert which just needs a couple of tweaks. So, hopefully, this will be my year.”

Head teacher, Lizzie Grainger, added: “We are exceptionally proud of Wendy and all she has achieved. Wendy brings real passion and enthusiasm to her role as school cook.

“She is inventive, creative and has an extensive knowledge about food and flavours. The children and staff love Wendy’s food. We are delighted to have her at Shalfleet CE Primary School – we are right behind her with the next stage of the competition. We know Wendy will do us proud!”

The national final will be held at the Local Authority Catering Association main event on July 6/7 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.