Leading Kilkenny blogger cooks up a storm at ‘Cook Off’ with top model Roz Purcell

As Storm Jorge was raging across the country, a leading Kilkenny blogger was cooking up a different type of storm under the watchful eye of top model and nutritionalist Roz Purcell.

Laura Warren, who runs the website http://www.elitelivingnutrition.com which specialises in health and nutrition coaching, was one of five contestants chosen to take part in Ireland’s first ‘Dairy-Free Cook Off’ event, which took place at the Airfield Estate Dundrum in Dublin yesterday.

The Ferrybank native and Inistioge resident only took up baking less than two months ago and admits she was very nervous as she put on her apron under the glare of the social media spotlight for the event, which was sponsored by Innocent Drinks Ireland and live streamed by Image.ie.

In the end, the ‘Cook Off’ was won by Debs Leonard, who wowed the judges, including Roz, for her Caribbean cauliflower cake, a traditional dish passed down through her family for generations.

Laura also received hugely positive reviews for her ‘Saucy Couture Maple Pecan Pudding’ (pictured below)  and said she delighted with the encouragement she received from former Miss Universe Roz, the author of Half Hour Hero Zero and Natural Born Feeder.

The Kilkenny woman said: “I had an amazing time. I didn’t win, but to be honest I was just relieved the pudding turned out ok and that I didn’t destroy the place!

“Roz and all the other contestant were fanstastic, really lovely and we had great fun. The event was really well organised and Image.ie are putting our recipes up on their platforms for everyone to see.”

Laura was delighted when Roz presented her with a signed copy of her book, No Fuss Vegan, with a touching personal message saying she loved her nutrition blog and to keep up the good work.

“To hear these words from someone so beautiful and successful as Roz really lifted me and my confidence,” Laura added.

To follow Laura’s Elite Living Health and Nutrition blog, log on to: https://www.instagram.com/elitelivingnutrition/