Diamond Jubilee Schools Competition

Calling all schools! How would you like to create a special Diamond Jubilee menu which celebrates the "best of British" for Her Majesty The Queen? What's more, if your entry is selected you could see the menu being served to The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace this June.

British Turkey thinks the Cook for the Queen competition is a wonderful way to celebrate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee and turkey is a great choice for including on the menu.

Plus if you create your own British turkey recipe entry for the competition and it is picked as a winner, your school will also win a PE lesson with Badminton Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms. The winning school will also receive £500.

Why should you enter a turkey recipe?

Turkey has deep roots in British heritage - the first record of the turkey in England was 1526. By 1720 circa 250,000 turkeys were walked from Norfolk to the London markets - the famous turkey trot!

In the early 16th Century the turkey started to replace the peacock in the royal courts so what a better time to get the much-loved British turkey back into the palace?

Turkey is an excellent source of protein and the breast meat has the lowest saturated fat content of any mainstream meat - ideal for today's modern healthy diet

Turkey is very versatile - it can be used in all kinds of dishes and there are lots of interesting cuts to choose from - breast fillets, strips, mince, steaks, diced thigh and diced breast. It is also equally delicious served hot or cold.

For recipe ideas to help you create your own dish, plus lots more reasons to enter turkey into the competition download our schools info pack here.

How do I enter?

For the entry form and further competition details visit www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/about-british-food-fortnight/cook-for-the-queen

But be sure to email a copy of your entry form to info@britishturkey.co.uk for your chance to win £500 for your school and a PE lesson with Gail Emms

British Turkey Canapes

Here are some great canapé ideas to inspire you – they're perfect for a Diamond Jubilee Party:

Smoked Turkey & Chorizo Risotto canapés

Turkey & Spiced Plum Galette Canapés

Turkey & Tarragon Scotch Egg

Turkey Ballontine & Black Pudding Bon Bon Canapés

Turkey, Ham & Mushroom Pie Canapés

Turkey Tandoori Sticks Canapés

Celebrities

We've spoken to a few celebs to check what they would serve to the Queen and this is what they said:

Phil Vickery, Celebrity Chef – I would probably go for 'Coronation Turkey' or something simple like Turkey tartlets.

Gail Emms, Badminton Olympic Medallist – I just love turkey lasagne, put if I was cooking for the Queen I would go with Mini Turkey Koftas with a yogurt dip – delicious!

Matt Le Tissier, Football legend – Turkey Jambalaya

Paul Merrett, TV chef – Turkey Skewers with Garlic, Soy and Ginger

Matt Dawson, Rugby hero, amateur dancer and chef – Creamy Turkey Korma

Nick Nairn, TV chef – Turkey Parma Wraps

Martin Johnson, England rugby hero – Sweet Chilli Turkey Burgers

Frankie Dettori, Champion jockey – Rolled Turkey

Lesley Waters, TV chef – Turkey Koftas

John Inverdale, TV sports presenter – Turkey Rainbow Stir Fry

Kyran Bracken, Rugby legend – Turkey, Leek & Mushroom Pie

Kriss Akabusi, Athletics legend – Mediterranean Turkey Kebabs

Gabby Logan, TV presenter – Turkey Lasagne

Gary Linekar, Football legend & presenter – Turkey Meatballs with Red Pepper Pasta

Paul Rankin, Chef – Turkey Irish Twist