Melanie Booth, a food technology teacher, and 15-year-old student Ben Le Bas from North Hill House School in Frome, Somerset, have achieved national recognition as finalists in The Big Lunch Recipe Search. This UK-wide competition, organized by the Eden Project, celebrates creativity and community spirit through shared food experiences.
Their standout dishes – Melanie’s butternut squash empanadas and Ben’s strawberry and vanilla summer cheesecake – impressed judges from the Eden Project, Co-op, and Greene King, earning them spots among the competition’s top five recipes. The initiative aims to inspire people to cook from scratch and connect with others, addressing research that showed nearly one in seven UK adults rarely try new recipes due to a lack of ideas.
Melanie, who developed her empanada recipe during lockdown using homegrown butternut squash exchanged with neighbours, said, “These empanadas are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They’re delicious, nutritious, easy to make, and can be adapted to be vegan. I’m thrilled to be recognized alongside one of my brilliant students and look forward to sharing these dishes at our school’s Big Lunch event.”
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Ben created his cheesecake as part of his food technology coursework, highlighting British strawberries and showcasing his new piping skills. “I’m excited to be a finalist,” he said. “This cheesecake is a refreshing summer dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Cooking has become a real passion for me, and this recipe is one of my family’s favourites.”
Their recipes will feature in an online cookbook produced for The Big Lunch, a nationwide community event scheduled for June 7-8. As finalists, Melanie and Ben will receive a hamper of Big Lunch goodies, a buffet gift voucher, and will attend a special event in London with other top contenders.
Launched in 2009 and supported by the Pears Foundation, The Big Lunch encourages neighbourhoods across the UK to host street parties and picnics that foster social connections. Her Majesty The Queen has been a patron of the initiative since 2013.
Lindsey Brummitt, programme director at the Eden Project, praised the competition entries: “We were amazed by the passion and quality shown in the recipes. Sharing food brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting bonds. That’s what The Big Lunch is all about.”