CWA Professional Cookery student Alicja Szmyt, beat off other entries to cruise through to the final of a national chef competition. The David Lyell Scholarship is a competition organised by the Master Chefs of Great Britain and is open to any young pastry chef, working in a hotel or restaurant kitchen, or training at college. All applicants were required to submit two recipes for plated desserts including a classic soufflé and a dessert of their choice, incorporating a number of specified food products. 18-year-old Alicja, from King’s Lynn, made the final shortlist of 6 competitors after impressing judges with her two dessert menu of raspberry & dark chocolate soufflé and lilac & lavender petit fours. “They are recipes I have practised many times and I enjoy making them,” said Alicja. Alicja joined successful finalists at Sheffield City College on Monday 20th April 2014, where she was required to prepare and present her dishes at a 2-hour cook-off. Alicja faced stiff competition from other entries, many of whom were already working in professional kitchens and unfortunately did not win. All entrants were awarded a Junior Membership of the Master Chefs of Great Britain, a chef’s jacket and a commemorative certificate. Alicja joined other finalists at the Young Pastry Chef dinner held on the evening of the competition and attended a chocolate day with William Curley in London during March.