These cakes are boss

A variety of cakes, tarts and cupcakes were entered by the talented amateur and professional bakers of Benoni, to impress a panel of judges and spoil some of our town’s golden oldies.

The event was judged by Moira Wall (South African Cake Decorators’ Guild), Berry Legg (Miz GoozBerry Mpumalanga), Xanthe Weissnar (Miz GoozBerry) , Kerry-Lee Payne (Heypenni Gold), Tracey van Gessel (Cherrylane Gourmet Café), Benoni’s own Dustin Hoffman Stelios Coutsides, Jan Jordaan (Austin and Jordaan Attorneys), Michael Ferguson (Get It magazine), Mandy Stephenson (Stockton Properties) and Peter Bachtis (Café Bellini).

Miz GoozBerry Mpumalanga branch owner Berry Legg, who judged the professional category, said she was very impressed by the cakes that were entered this year.

She added that the entries were judged on their overall presentation; the edibility of the finishing touches was highlighted.

Judges also had a look at the texture, the moisture and, in particular, the taste of the cakes.

“If somebody ever asks me for one of our cakes they don’t say ‘the cake with the roses on the top’ — they say ‘you know that cake that had the cherries and the nuts and the dark chocolate ganache’,” said Legg.

“People remember taste; they forget what they see, but they remember what they taste.”

She advised that bakers should be careful about adding colouring to their cake mixtures, as it dries out the cake.

She added that a cake should be able to taste good without icing and not too much icing should be used on the cake, as it overpowers the taste of the sponge cake itself.

Even though he did not win, she especially acknowledged a cake that was modelled on a sewing machine and was baked by Percy, in who, she said, she saw a lot of potential.

Moira Wall supported Legg’s opinion when touching base on the criteria of the judging process, adding that the texture, covering and especially the taste, were vital aspects.

The creativity and effort that was put into the cakes entered in this year’s competition was continuously remarked on.

The judges congratulated bakers on a job well done.

Pensioners from Rynpark, Goue Kandelare, Eddie House and Norton Park Retirement Village were invited to enjoy tea and cake at the function.

Nico Goosen’s student from Anua’s School of Music and Arts, Chante Combrink (15) entertained them with song.

Some of the remaining cakes and treats were donated to charities, including the Salvation Army and Kids Haven.

Another successful cake bake competition was concluded that left a sweet taste in mouths.

The winners in the four categories are:

Professional:

• First place: Lettie Boshoff
• Second place: Alma Lowrie
• Third place: Marietjie CoetzeeFourth Place: Percy Nomlala

Fun:

• First place: Michelle King
• Second place: Angela Peila
• Third place: Melanie van der Merwe
• Fourth place: Biana Greyling

Cupcakes:

• First place: Bianca Greyling
• Second place: Candice Seeley
• Third place: Michelle King
• Fourth Place: Michelle Sayer

Tarts:

• First place: Kathy Bock
• Second place: Shirley Jones
• Third place: Chandra Jivan

Small Tarts:

• First place: Bianca Greyling

The City Times would like to thank Hiring Connection, Northmead Square, Spar Falls, Curves Rynfield, Curves Farrarmere, Flamingos Nest, Lakeside Mall, Acapilia, Body Regentave, Grid and Grill, Kaz’s Corner, Pick n Pay Farrarmere and Pick n Pay Northmead Mall for their support and sponsoring the prizes.

We also thank Northmead Square for the use of The Venue and the donation of coffee, tea, sugar and milk.

Keep an eye on our website for more photos.