Great British Triathlon (of food)

We have cooking competitions at work every now and then to mark big occasions like company birthdays.

I came third in the first one I entered (a soup competition) for my Christmassy sprout and chestnut soup. I was lucky enough to judge the second competition and tasted some awesome entrants. The third competition was to mark and celebrate the Olympics (or the Ale-impics as our client Church End Brewery has re-named it with a tribute ale.)

All entrants could make any dish as long as it was British inspired – using the three colours of the union jack.

I racked my brains for a summer dish that uses the union jack colours without food colouring. Unsatisfied with any of my options I struck on an another way to make the red, white and blue from the different countries of Great Britain.

Starter – Wales
If you visit Barmouth you may be lucky enough to have a traditional Welsh breakfast that comes straight from the chilly coastal waters; Laverbread crab cakes
Laverbread is made from the green seaweed that clings to the rocks, providing cover for the brown crabs, which turn a beautiful red colour when cooked.
Welsh 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist: Tom James (Rowing)

Main – England
Great Britain controlled the mighty India until 1947. The rich cultures from the subcontinent migrated to the British Isles with the Indian people – including their amazing food. Indian food is now so familiar to the British that it’s as typical as fish and chips. Fish and chips were popularised by Italian immigrants – using the potato – itself an immigrant from South America! So what is British anyway?
Tandoori Chicken, very plain rice and yoghurt.
English 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist: Mo Farah (10k)

Pudding – Scotland
As we travel North for afters the weather draws in and hearty fodder is required. What could be more Scottish than a blueberry scone? These are stodgier than Andy Murray’s social skills, and served with Cornish clotted cream they complete the tour to create a truly Great British meal.
Scottish 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist: Andy Murray (Tennis)

The results were great – but took far too long (i did it all the night before an was up till midnight.) Consequently my presentation was lacking, and I guess the idea was a bit wacky compared to the other more traditional entries.

I came third and received a bronze medal at the closing ceremony – more of which can be read on the RBH website here.