The Midlothian Food and Drink awards honour local businesses in the area, of which Macsween is one (you may remember our appeals for votes last month)
The awards include a competition for budding young chefs to produce a seasonal, sustainable menu using local produce, and when Macsween were asked to help judge the competition, we jumped at the chance.
We spent a morning sampling and marking the semi-finalists dessert course (oh it's a hard life). The entries were all of a very high standard and as we tucked into the treats, such as rhubarb cheesecake and Champagne sorbet, it was hard to remember that they had been created by 14 & 15 year olds.
It was a very close call, but a winner had to be selected. Three lads from Lasswade High School were crowned champions with their 'Wee Pot of a Berry Nice Trifle', crafted using seasonal berries and edible flowers. It was the on-trend presentation using a kilnar jar and slate that really caught my eye.
The winning dessert will be served to guests at the Midlothian Food and Drink awards ceremony on 22nd May, where Macsween will find out if we've won (for the second time) Best Local Food / Drink producer.
Keep your fingers crossed for us, but even if we don't win, at least we'll get to eat a very nice dessert.
To find out more about the awards and to see a list of all the finalists, visit the Midlothian website.