Foodie to judge Black Isle cooking challenge – without tasting a single dish
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A FOODIE hailing from the Black Isle will run her eye over entries to a quirky competition organised by a local horticultural group.
The Black Isle Horticultural Society (BIHS) would have staged its eagerly anticipated summer show this weekend had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic.
And while the task of Foodie Quine Claire Jessiman in judging the Pick and Cook section of the competition looks enviable, for this unique challenge she'll be doing so without tasting any of the delights presented to her.
That's because the fun competition is being run online to overcome coronavirus restrictions still in place.
"Alas although I won't be able to sample any of the entries it's probably a blessing in disguise as my lockdown waistline has already had more than enough cake! I'll be judging the entries on a combination of how innovative they are, the ingredients used, appearance and presentation.”
The full-time Scottish freelance food and travel writer is originally from the Black Isle but now living in Aberdeenshire.
She has been blogging her edible Scottish adventures as Foodie Quine since 2012 and cites her influences as her cookery demonstrator mother, farmer father and the Brownie Guide cookbook from Santa.
The mum of two and wife of one declares herself passionate about cooking from scratch, seasonality, food education and family-friendly recipes. She's keen to seek out food specialties, markets and experiences whilst travelling in the UK and abroad and is eager to champion local farmers, suppliers and producers.
She said: “As a Black Isle lass only masquerading as an Aberdonian quine I was delighted to be asked to judge the 'pick and cook' category in the BIHS series of show challenges. Alas although I won't be able to sample any of the entries it's probably a blessing in disguise as my lockdown waistline has already had more than enough cake! I'll be judging the entries on a combination of how innovative they are, the ingredients used, appearance and presentation.”
The Pick and Cook Challenge is to make a cake, pudding or tart that includes at least one ingredient from your garden. Then send a photo of the raw ingredient[s], a photo of the completed creation, another of it sliced open, and your recipe.
There’s no entry fee and no prize, but the winner will be given a great honour. Their recipe will be the one competitors are asked to make when the Summer Show returns next year.
The deadline for entries is 10am this Saturday morning, which would have been the day of the show.
The seven challenges include making cakes, taking photos of odd-shaped vegetables, creating decorated flowerpots, and tasks for the under-14s.
Full details can be found at http://www.spanglefish.com/blackislehorticulturalsociety/
Related: Still time to enter Black Isle Horticultural Society contest
Pictures: BIHS lockdown challenge brings out the best in gardeners
