Belmont Baker Named Best in Batch

Belmont Baker Named Best in Batch

Wellington’s best baker was revealed last night at the second annual New World Wellington Bake Off competition.

Ange Puki, a school teacher at Belmont Primary School in Lower Hutt, stirred up success with her decorated biscuits that drew inspiration from a ‘Tree of Hearts’ greeting card.

As well as the New World Wellington Bake Off 2012 title, Mrs Puki walked away with over $4600 worth of prizes – including $1000 worth of grocery vouchers from New World, a KitchenAid mixer from Kirkcaldie & Stains valued at $995, and a Fisher & Paykel appliance to the value of $2500.

The summer citrus flavours of Mrs Puki’s shortbread biscuits saw her beat 43 other bakers to the supreme title as part of the Visa Wellington On a Plate competition.

Forty-four of the region’s 83 bake clubs took part in the final, after four weeks of battling over brownie, savoury scones, pie, and baked slice.

Bake Off judge Ruth Pretty said the attention to detail, texture and flavour of Mrs Puki’s decorated biscuit was exemplary.

“The winning biscuit was crisp and tasted freshly baked.”

Visa Wellington On a Plate Co-director and fellow Bake Off judge Sarah Meikle said this year’s competition was very difficult to judge.

“We were so impressed by the originality and creativity of the biscuits.

“From Visa Wellington On a Plate themes to farmyard scenes, and Olympic rowers to Wellington’s iconic Beehive, the bakers definitely brought their best to the Bake Off.”

NB: The New World Wellington Bake Off 2012 was judged by Ruth Pretty from Ruth Pretty Catering, Sarah Meikle from Visa Wellington On a Plate and Matthew van der Velden from Wellington City New World.

About Visa Wellington On a Plate
New Zealand’s largest and tastiest culinary festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate, is set to serve good times and great deals from August 10-26, 2012. Get your knives and forks out for a feast of experiences to please every palate and budget.

The festival centrepiece is DINE Wellington, a fortnight where over 100 of the region's finest eateries offer lunchtime set menus and delectable dinner deals. This year will also see the return of the popular ‘battle of the Burger’, Burger Wellington, and a bevy of 111 events including Beervana, the New Zealand Chocolate Festival and Wellington Fisher &Paykel MasterClass.

Positively Wellington Tourism (regional tourism organisation) and Grow Wellington (regional economic development agency) established the Visa Wellington On a Plate festival in 2009 to showcase the region’s food and beverage sector, and to develop culinary tourism in the region. The two organisations plan and market the event in liaison with the food sector and hospitality industry.

Visa Wellington On a Plate 2012 runs from August 10-26.

Visa is the naming rights sponsor of Visa Wellington On a Plate. Visa Entertainment gives Visa Credit, Debit or Pre-paid cardholders access to concert pre-sales, added value offers and competitions. There is no cost to join the programme. By registering your email address you'll be sent emails about the hottest pre-sales and offers. www.visaentertainment.co.nz

ENDS

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