Published: Thursday, 25th September, 2008 7:20am

Pair prepare perfect recipe

ANOTHER battle of pots and pans was staged in Prestonpans last week, when eight ambitious youngsters competed in the final of the prestigious East Lothian Young Chef competition.

Preston Lodge High School pupils Ashley Buchanan and Christie Sinclair, both 15, scooped first place in the inter-school cookery challenge last Friday hosted by their school.

The creative duo prepared a succulent main course of fennel-stuffed pork, mashed potatoes and carrots, and a tangy dessert of ginger tartlet, spiced rhubarb and ginger sauce.

Teams from Musselburgh, North Berwick and Dunbar secondary schools also took part in the challenge.

The young chefs proved their worth during a gruelling three hours, under the watchful eyes of four judges - Haddington hotelier Nico de Freitas, Barbara Wylie of the Royal Highland Educational Trust, East Lothian Council quality improvement officer for education, John Sowerby, and Courier reporter Kirsty Gibbins.

Each team chose a main course from a set menu but designed their own desserts, ranging from sweet and soft raspberry sponges to mouthwatering baked alaska.

Home ecomonics teacher, Mhairi Angus,who worked with Ashley and Christie in the run-up to the competition said: 'It"s fantastic as they worked really hard and gave up a lot of their free time.'

Christie, whose dessert wowed the judges, said: 'I was really nervous and I"m really proud and delighted that we won.'

Ashley and Christie were awarded a free meal at the Maitlandfield House Hotel in Haddington and an invitation to the East Lothian Food and Drink Awards next month.