Real recipe for laughs

The spatula challenge. Peter Blakeway, left, and Will Johnston. Photo/George Novak

THE aprons and the garlic are pressed, oven tops gleaming and it's spatulas at dawn as two Bay identities prepare for a hotly contested cook-off to compete for the illustrious title of "Noel Leeming's The Spatula".

In a David versus Goliath scenario, radio host Will Johnston from The Hits Bay of Plenty is pitting his own amateur cooking skills against uber-talented local celebrity chef Peter Blakeway.

The cook-off will take place at the Noel Leeming Built-In Cooking Centre on Cameron Rd using the latest induction technology and equipment.

Bay locals who come and view the chefs in action will get to sample their food, vote for their favourite chef as well as go in the draw to win hundreds of dollars worth of Noel Leeming prizes.

Each contestant will have to create a winning dish from a mystery box of ingredients. Johnston hopes whatever is in the box he can make into a stir-fry.

"I can chop up anything into small pieces and chuck it in a pan."

Johnston, 31, has been cooking for 10 years. "Before that it was takeaways and booze."

But he admits his partner, Hayley, does most of it, with his repertoire limited to stir-fries.

"Although, I like to think I am good at the barbecue, especially sausages," he says.

This statement produces mirth in his rival chef Peter Blakeway.

"Barbecueing is the most aggressive form of cooking, so I am always amused when the person with the least cooking knowledge takes control of the grill," he says.

While Johnston struggles to work a garlic press, Blakeway can juggle a liquid nitrogen canister, several pans and utensils and is already familiar with induction cooking.

"I never thought I would say this as a chef but I actually prefer it to gas. It just does everything better."

Peter Blakeway, left, and Will Johnston. Photo/George Novak

Knowing he is the underdog, Johnston thinks Blakeway should have a handicap.

"Blindfolding him would be good but I wouldn't want him to burn or cut himself."

So instead he may enlist the help of another celebrity chef who will be his "sous-chef".

"It is not cheating as I will do all the cooking, it is just I might get a bit of extra help."

Learning that Blakeway doesn't like bananas, Johnston said he will see what he can do to make sure the yellow fruit is among the ingredients. Johnston is also relying on the votes of locals who will turn up to watch the challenge.

"Then we could be looking at a tortoise and a hare situation - hopefully not on the plates though."

Join the Fun
What: Noel Leeming's The Spatula Challenge
When: First event is Sunday, July 26, kicking off at midday. The second and final event will be on Saturday August 1 at midday.
Where: The Noel Leeming Built-In Cooking Centre - 266 Cameron Rd, Tauranga.

Local radio host Will Johnston from The Hits, Bay of Plenty is taking on local celebrity chef Peter Blakeway in the ultimate cook-off. Hosted from The Noel Leeming Built-In Cooking Centre using the latest induction technology and equipment.

Come on the day to watch all the action, then, at the end, sample the food and place your vote on who you think should win the title of "Noel Leeming's The Spatula".

Everyone who votes is in the draw to win great prizes from Noel Leeming.

Listen to Will's show on The Hits Bay of Plenty 95FM, 9am to 3pm weekdays, text through to 4487 any tips, tricks or speciality recipes you think could help him in "Noel Leeming's The Spatula Challenge" and you could win more great prizes thanks to Noel Leeming.