A new competition at the upcoming NZ Agricultural Show in Christchurch, 15-17 November, really takes the cake.
Registration is now open for the Kiwi Christmas cake competition, closing September 26, with actual entries to be provided by 10 November.
Competition convenor Christine Beaton says home baking is a traditional and popular competition run by many A & P Associations around New Zealand.
“This year, we wanted to reintroduce the classic Kiwi Christmas Cake Competition. We’re encouraging interested home bakers to show off their fabulous baking skills and see their creations on display at the biggest A & P Show in New Zealand.”
The fruit cakes must be 20cm x 20cm square, and left undecorated so the judges can scrutinise the overall appearance.
Christine says the judges are looking for cakes that are smooth on the top, bottom and sides.
No sign of shiny, dark, overheated fruit protruding from the surface. The cake should be firm, smooth, fresh and moist to the touch. It should have straight sides, and a smooth flat top showing an even distribution of fruit."
“No sign of shiny, dark, overheated fruit protruding from the surface. The cake should be firm, smooth, fresh and moist to the touch. It should have straight sides, and a smooth flat top showing an even distribution of fruit.
“A good Christmas cake should cut cleanly, without any crumbs, and without catching or dragging the fruit. It should be a perfect blend of fresh eggs and dairy ingredients, sugar, essences, flour, spices, spirits or orange juice and quality dried fruit,” Christine says.
There are Open and Junior categories in both traditional and gluten free cakes.
For the non-bakers, there’s a handmade soft toy making competition using New Zealand grown and produced wool, mohair, alpaca or possum.
“Needlework has really taken off in recent years and we want to celebrate the wonderful creations that are being produced,” Christine says.
With Junior and Open categories, the toys are to be knitted, crocheted, wet felted, needle felted. Register online by September 26.
For more information, please contact:
Christine Beaton, 027 726 0145, amberfield.christine@gmail.com
