Miramar Baker Takes the Cake

Miramar Baker Takes the Cake

Wellington’s top baker was revealed yesterday at the third annual New World Wellington Bake Off competition held at PreFab Eatery.

Jasmine Taggart, a marketing executive from online talent website - StarNow, stirred up success with her vanilla sponge cake with raspberry mousse and butter cream icing.

As well as the New World Wellington Bake Off 2013 title, Ms Taggart walked away with $4,500 worth of prizes including $1,000 worth of New World groceries, a $2,500 Fisher & Paykel voucher, and a Kirkcaldie & Stains’ KitchenAid Mixer valued at $995.

Bake Off judge and author of Baking for Blokes: DIY in the Kiwi Kitchen, Steve Joll, knew Ms Taggart’s sponge cake was the best in the batch after just one bite.

“It was perfect. Light, airy and moist - everything you’d expect from a sponge cake. I knew immediately that we’d found our winner.”

Ms Taggart said it was her first time making a sponge cake.

“I played around with a couple of techniques but settled on a tried and true Edmonds Cook Book recipe.

“I was absolutely shocked when I found out I had won. I was a keen baker growing up but had kind of moved away from it. The competition has definitely renewed my love for baking.”

Fifty-three of the region’s 96 bake clubs took part in the final after four weeks of battling it out over cookies, baked tart, bread and meringues.

Fellow judge, Alice Arndell of Chelsea New Zealand’s Hottest Home Baker fame, said she was overwhelmed by the appearance of the sponge cakes.

“You could tell a lot of work had gone into baking them. From Wellington’s own cable car and beehive to the traditional sponge cake you’d be proud to show your nana – they all looked phenomenal.”

She said this year’s contestants were just as creative with their choice of ingredients as they were with their designs.

“There were liquorice flavoured cakes and toffee nut brittle covered cakes... one sponge cake even incorporated local craft beer ParrotDog into the mix. The bakers definitely brought their best to the Bake Off.”

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Background

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.

Visa Wellington On a Plate 2013 runs from August 9-25. For more information visit www.visawellingtononaplate.com

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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