RAF families get a taste of cooking from the front line

Three teams of forces families, helped by a military chef, were challenged to prepare and cook a two-course meal fit for British troops using the ten-man operational ration packs that are used by military chefs in Afghanistan.

The event was organised to show the families of troops serving in the RAF Regiment's 2 Squadron, 15 Squadron and 27 Squadron the ingredients used by skilled military chefs and for them to get a flavour of the food that troops eat in Afghanistan.

Yvonne Hamilton and her children Scott, aged ten, and Shannon, aged 13, took part in the event. Yvonne's husband Dave is with 27 Squadron and has been on operational duty in Afghanistan since July. She said:

"This isn't the first time my husband has been away on duty over Christmas but it is still important to know that he is being fed well.

"I have really enjoyed today's event and it has been great for the kids to see what their dad is eating when he is away.

"It provides us with reassurance to know that he is having a hot meal at the end of the day when he is back at camp. If he ever tries to complain about food when he is there I will know he's talking rubbish as the food that they are providing is brilliant."

The winning team was led by Senior Aircraftman Nathan Spink, who has recently returned from Afghanistan. His team produced a delicious chicken dish and made an apple and pineapple crumble.

He said:

"I am delighted with the result, especially as I was quite nervous beforehand. Cooking on operations is always very challenging because of the conditions we face, but it's what we are trained for, to keep morale up during the tough times."

Captain Jeremy Rigby RN, Defence Equipment and Support Team Leader for Defence Food Services, who attended the event, said:

"It is our priority to ensure that our servicemen and women are given fresh, tasty food and that they are able to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner over the festive period.

"We wanted to give these families an opportunity to see how we go about cooking the food that their loved ones eat whilst they are away from home. I think that they will have left feeling reassured that they are being well looked after."

The three teams involved in the competition were:

• Team 1 - Yvonne Hamilton, her son Scott, and Senior Aircraftman Max Baldwin.
  Menu - Naan bread, keema curry, fruit slice.
• Team 2 - Shannon Hamilton and Senior Aircraftman Christopher Beavis.
  Menu - Beef, onion and mushroom pie with dauphinoise potatoes, currant ribbons and sautéed cabbage, chocolate sponge with a basil cream and praline.
• Team 3 - Senior Aircraftman Nathan Spink, his grandfather Michael Spink, and Dawn Heasslip.
  Menu - Spicy chicken supreme with noodles, Danish hot pot and savoury rice, apple and pineapple crumble.