Watten pastry queen picks up major awards at international event
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Alanna Taylor from Watten won awards this week after competing in the prestigious IKA Culinary Olympics against international opponents.
The 33-year-old studied at North Highland College UHI in Thurso and worked in Mackays Hotel before taking on a position as head pastry chef at Meldrum Country House.
After the awards were presented on Wednesday, the hotel wrote in a social media post: "After days of competing, the finals are now over for the IKA Culinary Olympics and Team Scotland, with our very own Pastry Queen Alanna, picked up two silver awards.
"Up against the likes of Norway, Italy, England, Cyprus and Slovakia, they prepared a meal for 110 guests that they practised at Meldrum last August and then created a 7-course menu live in front of table guests.
"Alanna helped create the dessert of a glazed mousse of preserved Scottish raspberries flavoured with rose and bergamot, warm tartlet of brown butter sponge and whisky salted caramel with Earl Grey ice-cream.
"Well done to Alanna who competed in the team with her husband Rory, team Captain Orry Shand and the rest of the worthy award-winners from the Scottish team. We can't wait to welcome Alanna back with her medal haul."
Alanna is daughter of Alan and Helen McCarthy from Watten. Mum Helen said that her daughter worked in various hotels before settling at Meldrum with her husband Rory.
"Last year, she became the only female in the Scottish team and entered the world culinary championships, coming home with three bronze medals," said Helen.
"This year she achieved two silvers in the World Culinary Olympics as part of the Scottish team – and she was the only female in the team. We are very proud parents!"
