Seafood Masterclass

A MASTERCLASS for students went swimmingly as they learnt how to prepare exotic seafood in a bid to represent the country at a world skills competition.

Darlington College students tackled everything from oysters to John Dory at a special session organised by the Learning and Skills Council.
 
Darlington College tutor and professional chef Becci Dougill was joined by fish specialist Steve Clayton, of M&J Seafoods.
 
Students were shown how best to handle, prepare and cook a variety of seafood, with suggestions on techniques and recipes.
 
Becci said: “The class went extremely well and students were very enthusiastic. Top chefs in the best restaurants would be expected to be able to deal with all manner of seafood and the class gave students a valuable insight into cooking it.”
 
The masterclass was the first in a series being staged throughout the region by the LSC to find the best skilled students in the country.
 
The most talented will be selected to represent the UK in a World Skills event scheduled to take place in London in 2011.
 
Twenty masterclasses will be held in the North-East, five of which will be at Darlington College.
 
The LSC is funding apprenticeships as part of its ‘From Competence to Excellence’ project as it tries to encourage the development of a working elite.
 
Spokesman Janet McGuigan said: “The more people we can get to enter competitions the greater the chance of selecting a highly competitive UK Skills squad.
 
“Darlington College is very proactive in encouraging students to strive to be the best in their chosen fields.”
 
Other catering masterclasses are being planned for afternoon tea fancies, plated desserts, chocolate showpieces, main courses and preparing a table.