MasterChef Champion shares skills at Chestnut Tree House

The new series of MasterChef is hitting our TV screens this week, but in advance this, four children at Chestnut Tree House enjoyed a special cookery session on Wednesday 19 February, thanks to a visit from the MasterChef Champion 2018, Kenny Tutt.

We announced in November that Kenny had become a charity Ambassador, and he has been keen to get more involved ever since. His first initiative was to introduce a charity cocktail at his Worthing restaurant, Pitch, with £1 being donated for every ‘Chestnut Alexandra’ sold. He is also visiting us soon with his restaurant team to volunteer in the hospice gardens.

But the cookery session last week was a particular highlight of this charity partnership, both for Kenny and the four children involved.

Sam, Owen, Toby and Rose all enjoy cooking when they’re at Chestnut Tree House and were thrilled when Kenny showed them how to make their own pasta. After a demonstration, Kenny helped each of them make their own dough and create spaghetti using a pasta maker. The MasterChef Champion then took to the kitchen to make some meatballs and sauce for them all to enjoy with their homemade spaghetti. They were all given a Pitch apron, and even got a chance to hold Kenny’s MasterChef trophy.

Mandi Hirsch at Chestnut Tree House said: “This was a really special day for Sam, Owen, Toby and Rose. There are always lots of fun activities for children to get involved in at the House, but for these four, cooking is always top of the wish-list when they’re asked what they’d like to do.

“We’re really grateful to Kenny for giving up his time to visit and organise this activity. Everyone had a great time, and there definitely weren’t any empty plates at the end! Making the most of every moment is what Chestnut Tree House is all about, and Kenny’s cookery session will have certainly helped make some very special memories.”

Describing how he felt about the day, Kenny said, “I feel honoured and proud to be an ambassador for Chestnut Tree House, and this visit was really special. It was an absolute privilege to spend time with these children, and what great cooks they are. Watch this space for more MasterChef fun at Chestnut Tree House!”