The annual Great Westbourne Bake Off whisked up an impressive turn out, with sixty-four budding bakers taking part in the Technical Challenge. If successful, they would have the chance to bake another day in the Grand Final.
In true Bake Off style, the technical challenge remained a mystery to the bakers, until moments before the clock began ticking. The baking challenges set increased in complexity in relation to the age of the cooks and there was great excitement as the pupils turned over their instructions to reveal the ‘mystery recipe’.
The Year 3s and 4s were tasked with creating six identical marble cakes, the Year 5s and the 6s identical brownies, and the more experienced Year 7s and 8s were challenged with baking apple crumble cupcakes. Initial nerves and trepidation soon turned to joy and elation as the cakes rose and the sweet smell of culinary success filled the room!
The cakes were judged on their uniformity, overall colour, texture, flavour, even bake and on specific elements depending on the challenge: the quality of marbling, chocolate distribution and crumble coverage respectively. The quality of bakes were exceptional and scores delectably high, with the following bakers deservedly making it through to the final on the 29th February (we’re definitely putting the extra day to good use):
Hetty, Arabella, Imogen, Ellie, Issy, Fleur, Mary, Josie, Sonny, Amelie, India, Tom, Isabelle and Robin.
No one went home empty handed, however, with all participants taking home their prized bakes to share with their family and friends!
The Grand Final on the 29th will entail the contestants creating and decorating a cake based on a theme which inspires them personally.
