TV chef’s praise for Camilla

Chef Andrew Nutter with Hulme’s Masterchef-style winner Camilla Preston and head of home economics Deborah Howarth and other finalists.

CELEBRITY chef Andrew Nutter dropped into an Oldham school to pick a culinary star of the future.

Andrew, a TV chef with his own restaurant in Rochdale, was at Hulme Grammar School for the final of the Masterchef-style competition for home economics students.

Both boys and girls have been studying home economics since September — previously it was an all-girl class.

Head of home economics Deborah Howarth devised the contest which gave all pupils in Years 7 to 13 the chance to compete every week by producing a main meal and dessert in 50 minutes.

The 18 finalists had to show taste, creativity and flair, and all were presented with signed copies of the chef’s latest recipe book.

He praised winner Camilla Preston for her fantastic dishes — maple-glazed, cheese stuffed chicken with new potatoes and salad, followed by mascarpone and raspberry trifle. Andrew said: “Her attention to detail really shone through. She executed two fantastic dishes in just 50 minutes — for her age, an amazing feat.”

Mrs Howarth added: “I am passionate about young people being able to used ingredients to produce healthy dishes. Being able to cook is a life skill.”

l Celebrity chef Andrew Nutter with Hulme’s Masterchef-style winner Camilla Preston and head of home economics Deborah Howarth and other finalists.