Edinburgh chef ‘highly commended’ for his delicious dessert at national awards

The talented chef impressed judges with a dark chocolate and salted caramel delice

A care home in Edinburgh is celebrating after its head chef received a national commendation for his mouth-watering desserts.

Graham Watson, head chef at Lauder Lodge, on Wakefield Avenue, went up against the culinary talents of chefs from across the UK – and he took home the certificate for ‘Highly Commended Dessert’.

The national cook-off, hosted by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), was a true culinary skills showdown between the best care home chefs in the country, with contestants challenged to prepare a nutritional two-course meal that would appeal to residents.

Graham Watson, head chef at Lauder Lodge, on Wakefield Avenue, went up against the culinary talents of chefs from across the UK.

Graham’s impressive menu included a crispy pan-fried salmon and a crab cake, a unique beetroot ketchup, accompanied by a truffle oil pea puree and dill sauce.

For the highly commended dessert, Graham impressed judges with a dark chocolate and salted caramel delice, topped with whipped mango mousse and completed with a sprinkle of hazelnut powder and freeze-dried strawberries.

Commenting on his win, Graham said: “It’s an honour to represent Lauder Lodge at the NACC awards and receive a commendation for best dessert.

“Our residents deserve nothing but the highest standard and I get a real buzz when I hear that people love the dishes I have created for them – there is no better feeling for a chef.

“The dessert I prepared is a resident favourite, and I am delighted the panel enjoyed it too and awarded me the certificate for Highly Commended Dessert.”

Anees Riaz, Home Manager at Lauder Lodge, added: “Every year, the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition features the best chefs from around the country, and is a brilliant opportunity for chefs at Care UK to showcase their skills and expertise.

“Everyone here at Lauder Lodge is delighted that Graham’s talent for creating delicious desserts has been recognised once again – well done Graham!”

Lauder Lodge is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care.

Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its own café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.