Local bakers impress our readers in ‘bake-off’ event

Rachelle, ‘rose’ to champion after she submitted a recipe for a frosted Christmas Red Velvet Layer Cake, which proved to be a favourite with the readers who crowned her creation the ‘People’s Choice’ winner.

Anna McClean from Ballymena received the accolade of ‘Chef’s Choice’ by guest judge Paula McIntyre for her Chocolate and Beetroot Cake. Both winners will each receive £100 of Lakeland vouchers.

Fraser Cunningham, aged eight, from Lurgan was named regional winner for the area and his Marvellous Marble Cake was narrowly beaten in the final. He is pictured receiving his Regional Winner’s prize from Angeline Sloan from firmus energy. Angeline commented: “We just loved all the great recipes that were entered into the competition.

“It is clear that we have many aspiring, talented bakers across the province and I was especially impressed with our young cooks that took part. We had family recipes that had been handed down through generations submitted as well as people’s own creations and it was so hard to call who would be voted the winner!

“The winning recipes had the perfect balance of creativity and taste and we would like to thank everyone who entered the competition. Natural gas fuels more than 66,000 homes across Northern Ireland and is the fuel of choice for many bakers, professional and amateur, as it provides controllable cooking at a low cost.

“We have seen just how many local bakers are cooking up a storm in the kitchen and truly are passionate about creating something mouth-watering for their family and friends.

“Sweet and savoury baking aromas are very inviting in homes and getting children involved in baking is a great activity for all the family – nearly as much so as enjoying the end result!”

If you want to find out more about connecting to natural gas should visit www.firmusenergy.co.uk or contact 08456 08 00 88.