A HOUSING association chef has triumphed in an annual cooking competition.

Sanctuary Care’s Marcella Field, chef manager at Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home, went head-to-head with seven colleagues from across the organisation.

Chefs sweated it out in a 90-minute cook-off to win the title of Sanctuary Care’s Chef of the Year.

Ms Field, pictured, served up a menu of lamb cooked two ways – a miniature shepherd’s pie and pan-fried lamb cutlet – with dauphinoise potatoes, baby vegetables and a redcurrant jus.

Her prizewinning dessert was a tarte au citron finished off with summer fruit coulis and an artistic chocolate decoration.

Ms Field said: “I am overwhelmed to have won the competition this year.

“I think it is so important to have competitions like this, not only to showcase our creative flair, but also to help break the taboo of care catering. The teams at Sanctuary Care’s homes work hard to make nutritious, high-quality food for our residents and it’s a joy to see the enjoyment they get from the dishes.”

The competition, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions and held at Sanctuary’s head office, has been going for six years.