Forging a reputation from when she first graced TV screens as a contestant on MasterChef Australia in 2009, she has since appeared on her own show ’Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield’ for over eight seasons, launched a catering company and authored four books.
She is renowned for bringing a hint of international flair to everything she does and so it was in the Kingsgrove North High commercial kitchen last week when about 40 students eagerly watched on as she cooked three dishes – an omelette, salmon burrito and huevos rancheros (Mexican breakfast).
Principal Stasos said it had taken some time to fit in with Justine’s schedule but it was worth the wait.
With a mixture of teen boys and girls studying for their Certificate 2 in Hospitality Cookery, which is equivalent to their first apprenticeship year, the class was transfixed as Justine explained how she got her start.
She studied Hospitality at TAFE, then did a business degree and sales but ultimately realised she felt more comfortable in hospitality before her MasterChef experience propelled her to new heights.
She said she was very impressed with the knowledge shown by the students.
“I set a challenge to guess the two spices I was using to win one of my books,” she said.
“I probably should have brought more books as there were a few who guessed correctly just by smelling the ground cumin and coriander.
“It was great to hear students considering hospitality as a career and importantly, the school having a class available to them to experience it firsthand.
“To those keen to make a career for themselves, I advised ‘hard work always pays off’.”
Principal Stasos said the students were totally inspired.
“It was wonderful how Justine involved them in the cooking processes,” he said.
“She told me that it was her first time presenting a Masterclass in a school’s commercial kitchen but she seemed to enjoy herself as much as the students did so I’m sure it won’t be her last.”