LEARN FROM THE BEST: 2011 Masterchef winner Kate Bracks gives Annie Miller and Katie Niven some helpful advice during Taste Orange’s Slow Summer Carnivale junior cooking classes in Orange yesterday. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0122sgcook1
TASTE Orange’s Slow Summer Canivale is in full swing and today it was some of the region’s best young cooks who stole the show.
Under the tutelage of 2011 Masterchef winner Kate Bracks, more than 70 budding chefs took to the kitchen at Croagh Patrick for four sessions of junior cooking classes.
“It was a great opportunity for children who have an interest in food and cooking to get some hands-on experience that they can take home to their families,” event host, Lesley Russell of Orange Regional Cooking School, said.
“We showed participants a range of flavours that they may not have been introduced to, including herbs, fruit and vegetables and the combination of them.
“We looked at what was in season in and around Orange and the children gained an understanding of the concept of seasonality and where their food comes from.”
Ms Russell said the young chefs cooked and tasted local produce in a relaxed, fun and interactive environment.
Taste Orange marketing manager Charlotte Gundry said it was the perfect start to what would be a huge Slow Summer Carnivale.
Next on the agenda is Friday’s night market in Robertson Park.
Taste Orange executive officer Rhonda Sear said the market would include a range of stalls offering food, wine, music and children’s entertainment.
“We are thrilled to be able to host these night markets in Robertson Park,” she said.
“It promises to have a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere and has attracted a great range of local food and wine producers.”
The night markets begin at 5pm and conclude at 8pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.
The Slow Summer festivities conclude on Sunday with a fun-filled Day at the Beach on Sunday at Lake Canobolas.
There will be dragon boat races, a kids’ zone, food stalls, live music and Buck Chow’s amazing mystery quest.
“I guess you could describe it as Orange’s answer to the Amazing Race,” Buck Chow said.
“We have designed a bush circuit, which features problem solving and physical check points around Lake Canobolas.”
For more information on the Slow Summer Carnivale, visit www.tasteorange.com.au/slowsummer.
luke.schuyler@fairfaxmedia.com.au
