Tastebuds were tantalised on Thursday afternoon as six nervous students attempted to secure their dessert on the Country Club Tasmania’s Links Buffet.
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Prospect High School’s Gemma Cornwall took out the top prize with her Autumn Cheesecake. The dessert will feature on the buffet for the next three months.
Students from Newstead College, Propspect High School and Kings Meadows High School took part.
The event happened through a partnership between the Beacon Foundation, the schools and the casino, the foundation’s Lynda McKay said.
More than 30 students took part in a site tour at the start of June. They tasted desserts on the current menu and had a briefing on what they needed to consider when making their desserts including a budget of 50 cents per serve.
“They then went back to their school and created the dessert under the guidance of their teachers. The judging took place at their school and two finalists were selected per school to take part in the judging,” Ms McKay said.
Newstead College student Lachie Terry took inspiration from his mum, his nan and his great nan when making his Salted Caramel Cheesecake.
Abby McKinlay, competing from Prospect High School said her Poppy Seed Citrus Tart was a family favourite.
“My mum used to make it for our church all the time and once I made it and they all said I made it better,” she said.
Taylor Rush from Newstead made Citrus Memories. Lia Eacher made a Mocha Mess, while fellow Kings Meadows High Student, Meg Igglesden made an Open Bee Sting.
Kings Meadow High School catering teacher Thor Pedersen said all the students had been practising for weeks.
“It’s given them real world taste of what it’s like to do it professionally, not only to do it to budget but also fulfill what the competition was asking,” he said.
“It’s a shame that there is only one winner because all six look amazing.”
Mr Pedersen said all six competitors now had a special bond.
“They started off not even looking at each other, to working together and sharing the equipment.”
Ms McKay congratulated all six competitors on taking up the challenge.
“That meant you took yourselves out of your comfort zone and pushed yourself. You all should be very proud of what you achieved,” she said.
Bianca Welsh, co-owner of Stillwater, Black Cow and Mill Provodore judged the tough competition, along with the casino’s food and beverage manager Ross Hannah and Meander Valley mayor Craig Perkins.
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
