AN EXCITING prospect from Somerset proved she has the right ingredients for success after being named runner up at the Rotary Young Chef Awards 2024.

Katrina Nightingale, 16,  took part in this year’s competition and had to cook through four challenging rounds to reach the national final. The final was sponsored by Italian food giant Fillippo Berio, and it was held in St Benedict’s High School in Alcester, close to Rotary Great Britain & Ireland’s headquarters.

For over 15 years, the Rotary Young Chef competition has been shining a spotlight on some of the biggest talent in Great Britain and Ireland. The competition is open to young people aged 11-17 - and each year hundreds of teens apply for a chance to be named Rotary Young Chef of the year.

Inspired by the top-quality local produce that is associated with Somerset, Katrina cooked up a storm with her final dish, which was pan-seared Exmoor pork tenderloin, with fondant potatoes, herb-roasted carrots, parsnip purée and purple-sprouting broccoli, with a Somerset honey and mustard cream sauce. Katrina then went on to amaze the judges with her dessert creation. She dished up a tantalising lemon mousse, served with fresh local raspberries and white chocolate-drizzled Viennese biscuits.

Sponsored by Rotary Wiveliscombe, Katrina’s path to the final saw her triumph in a series of qualifying rounds, including district and regional finals. For the final, Katrina had just two hours to prepare and serve her final dish, which was judged by three judges including Lisa Murray (the marketing manager for Filippo Berio) and Elaine Wroblewska (catering lecturer at the Heart of Worcestershire college).

A spokesperson from Rotary Wiveliscombe said: “We’re so proud of Katrina’s efforts and are thrilled she not only reached the final of Rotary Young Chef 2024, but was runner up!”

“Her food is a fantastic celebration of the region, which is known for producing some of the most delicious produce the UK has to offer. We’re sure Katrina has a bright future ahead, and we can’t wait to try some more of her delicious food!”