Potatoes South Africa and the South African Chefs' Association have launched a competition for chefs from the further education training program to produce potato recipes that are fresh, highly creative but practical.

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) and the South African Chefs’ Association (SACA) have today, Friday 26 February, 2010, launched a collaborative chefs’ competition with a difference. Aimed at hospitality learners in selected Public Sector Further Education Training (FET) colleges, it offers them an opportunity to compete for cash and training, a prospect few are ordinarily afforded.

SACA president, Stephen Billingham explains, "This competition is not only a great way to showcase the versatility of the power-packed potato, but it also allows us to fulfill our mandate of promoting the art and science of cookery to all in South Africa, especially to training providers that do not usually take part in cooking competitions.”

The invited colleges from Gauteng are Central Johannesburg College (with its five campuses), Ekurhuleni East and West Colleges, Sedibeng College, Tshwane North and South Colleges, South West Gauteng College and Western College. Also competing are Makikeng Hotel School (North West), Vuselela College (Limpopo) and Sondela Academy (North West).

COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS, PRIZES:

The trainee chefs are required to produce potato recipes that are fresh, highly creative but practical, while simultaneously highlighting the potato’s key attributes – affordability, versatility and ease of preparation. Recipes must be entered into the three following categories: starter, main or dessert and are to be developed specifically for the LSM 4 - 7 population group.

The top ten finalists will compete in the final to be held in early June at the Southern Sun Centre for Culinary Excellence (CCE), based at SACA’s head office at the University of Johannesburg's School of Tourism and Hospitality. The panel will consist of judges from SACA, PSA, as well as industry professionals.

1st prize: R10 000 and training at the SACA Skills Kitchen to the value of R4000


2nd prize: R7 000 and training at the SACA Skills Kitchen to the value of R1700


3rd prize: R5 000 and training at the SACA Skills Kitchen to the value of R1700


Prize for lecturers:

1st Prize: R3000


2nd Prize: R2000


3rd Prize: R1000


RECIPE BOOK INCLUSION:

The final recipes will appear in a 30-page recipe book that will not only underline the spud’s delicious nature, but also dispel negative perceptions that potatoes are fattening, starchy and unhealthy.

As Mark du Plessis, CEO of PSA, says, “Not everyone is lucky enough to know what’s for supper. Often overlooked as the number one vegetable; the highly nutritious, yet humble potato has the power to build communities, feed the hungry, as well as fight poverty.”

For further information, please visit Potatoes South Africa (PSA)