On 21st March eight student chefs from across the country took part in a cook-off competition designed to unearth the next generation of young Scottish culinary talent from the best catering colleges across the country.

Hosted by Knorr Professional and City of Glasgow college, students battled it out to win the title of Student Chef of the Year, as well as a culinary experience in Italy with their team. Maclean was joined Adam Handling MBE and Audrey Crone on the judging panel.

The student chefs were challenged to prepare a two-course menu comprising main and dessert, inspired by this years’ themes of ‘modernised comfort food' and ‘irresistible vegetables’ and using Knorr Professional bouillon.

For her main course, Jacintha prepared pan roasted chicken breast, stuffed wing, birria tacos, mole elote corn ribs, puree and salsa coriander finished with a lime dressing. And for dessert, she prepared a celeriac blondie, candied and feuilletine, toasted barley ice cream, celery salted caramel and fermented plums.

Winning the silver medal was Aimee Boland from Ayrshire College and the bronze medallist was Alannah from West College Scotland (Clydebank). A skills test for assistant chefs was also held focusing on preparation of chicken and vegetables, with Yingying Tang from Ayrshire winning.

Maclean said: “As a proud Scotsman and chef, witnessing the student’s culinary talent truly warmed my heart. Each participant's dedication and commitment to the process was remarkable and the standard of cooking and creativity exhibited in their dishes left a lasting impression on me and the other judges. The students should be very proud of themselves.”