Scottish Chefs, in honor of its 30th anniversary, is reintroducing the Nespresso Professional Student Coffee Challenge, promising exciting rewards for budding culinary talents. The competition will feature the winning recipe in a special anniversary cookbook, and the victorious team will also receive a Nespresso M100 coffee machine for their college, along with a masterclass with a renowned pastry chef.
Last year’s competition saw Edinburgh College’s team earn an exclusive invitation to the Scottish Culinary Team dinner at Prestonfield House Hotel, where they had the opportunity to meet esteemed chef Michel Roux. The previous winners, Ana Fernandez Santoz, Niamh Bortherston, and Mairi Edwards, presented a menu that included Tiramisu x Mont Blanc, Coffee Apple Choux au Craquelin, Smoked Mackerel and Beetroot Tart, and Puff Vegetable Samosa.
For the 2024 challenge, teams of three full-time catering and hospitality students are invited to submit their afternoon tea selections, which should include savory items and Nespresso pastries. The competition will culminate in a final event at Milton College in Edinburgh on Monday, November 11. Finalists will have two hours to prepare their afternoon tea selections for a panel of judges.
Joe Queen, the chair of the judging panel, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Nespresso, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate once more with Nespresso for this competition. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to innovate and create afternoon tea selections that complement Nespresso’s exceptional coffees. We encourage all aspiring chefs to participate and showcase their talents.”