Budding chefs across Fermanagh are being challenged to celebrate the best of local produce in this year's Dairy Council Young Cook of the Year competition.

The popular culinary competition is asking students to create nutritious meals which reflect growing concerns about the environmental impact of food miles by using locally sourced ingredients, including dairy foods.

Entrants to Young Cook 2009 must plan a healthy, value-for-money, two course meal for three of their friends which includes some of the wide variety of high quality food produced in Northern Ireland and local dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, buttermilk and half-fat butter. Twelve lucky finalists will be invited to take part in a 'Masterchef' style cook-off.

Dr. Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said: "We're looking forward to searching for our top young cook in 2009 – we are impressed every year with the talent and creativity of all the students who enter.

"This year's topical focus on the issue of food miles provides us with a further opportunity to educate the next generation on some of the challenges of the global food market. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the variety of local produce we have access to right here in Northern Ireland – we hope that students are inspired by this variety and also by discovering the quality and freshness of our very own local food," he explained.

"We are also keen that pupils of this age realise the importance of including dairy in their diet. When creating their meal, pupils must include a variety of local dairy items for example, milk, cheese and yoghurt. These dairy foods contain a wide range of nutrients making dairy a simple and economic ingredient for healthy eating."

The Dairy Council Young Cook competition supports the current Home Economics curriculum and has been developed in consultation with the Education and Library Boards and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA).

The Young Cook competition is open to students in three categories - Key Stage Three, Key Stage Four and Special Education. Winners will be chosen from each Education and Library Board area, with the overall category winners and the Young Cook of the Year announced at a special 'cook-off' final.

Entry forms will be sent to all schools and colleges in Northern Ireland and are also available online at www.dairycouncil.co.uk. The closing date for completed forms is 27 February 2009.