A rising young Maitland chef is striving towards her goal of opening her own restaurant by age 30.

A childhood vegetable patch and cooking with her parents fueled Ashleigh Handsaker's lifelong love for the kitchen.

"I learnt to love cooking from both my mum and dad," Ashleigh said.

The 23-year-old chef's entree dish, carrot rosette, ginger mandarin sauce, cashew cream, and basil oil, recently earned her the Best Signature Dish award at the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award.

Ashleigh's winning entrée not only showcased her passion and skill but also her keen interest in taking a sustainable approach in the kitchen.

"I focus on using whole ingredients and finding creative ways to use what's often considered scraps," she said.

New to the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award in 2025, the Best S

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