Food24 is on the lookout for SA's new Super Chef

NextGen takes place from March to September and challenges chefs-in-training from culinary schools across the country to submit recipes accompanied by photography or video. Each month has its own theme and the current, as well as upcoming, themes are Baking (May), Low Carb (June), Chocolate (July) and Modern Braai (August).

The recipes and visuals or videos will be judged by a panel of some of South Africa’s top culinary stars and 'foodies', including James Gaag (La Colombe), Peter Tempelhoff (The Collection), Sam Linsell (Drizzle and Dip food blog), Hope Malau (Drum Magazine’s food editor), Elke van Vledder (marketing manager of domestic appliances at Philips South Africa) and Tessa Purdon (Food24’s editor). The judging panel will select their top finalists each month and the overall winner will be announced at a ceremony later in the year.

Purdon adds, “The aim of NextGen is to combine technology with talent. Food is eaten with the eyes first so we’ve provided a platform for young chefs-in-training to not only create a recipe with a twist but also to produce content that allows the reader to almost 'taste' the finished product. We’ve provided guidelines, tips, and tricks for creative submissions and so far we are receiving outstanding entries."

The entries will be judged on originality (the recipe needs to be the entrant’s own creation), knowledge and understanding of current world food trends, the costing of the recipe, execution and styling or photography skills, and video flow.

The competition is sponsored by Phillips and the top student will walk away with R45 000 worth of Phillips appliances and R15 000 cash prize. Phillips will also be awarding monthly prizes and a R30 000 Phillips hamper to the winning culinary school.

“There is considerable talent in this country and as the biggest online foodie destination in South Africa with over 33 000 recipes, Food24 is honoured to be showcasing the next generation of award-winning chefs,” concludes Purdon.

All the recipes entries will be published to Food24 for readers to use and enjoy. Users can view the Easter entries and the recent Baking entries on the Food24 website.

Students can submit their entries here.

For more information, visit www.food24.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.