Entries open for annual Best Buns Battle
Wednesday 12 January 2011, 1:16PM
By Goodman Fielder
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The annual battle of the buns is on again with the country’s only official Easter bun competition - the Champion “Easter Bun Bake Off” – open for entries for the 2011 event.
Goodman Fielder National Field Sales Manager, Paul Howley, said the company is now taking entries for the competition which identifies and publishes New Zealand’s top Easter bun stores in the North and South Island, week commencing 4 April over two weeks before Easter weekend.
“As with last year’s competition, we will announce both North Island and South Island winners. However, bakers around the country will need to be in top form, as a master judge will now assess all entries to ensure consistency of standards across New Zealand.”
As a result, judging will now take place over two days during which master judge, Mike Turlej, will attend judging sessions in both regions.
He will be assisted by a panel of baking and food experts including Annabelle White.
Judges will assess buns for: straight and over crosses; application of the bun glaze; crust colour; symmetry and batching of product; crumb softness; even dispersal of fruit and; a good aromatic flavour.
“As with previous years, in order to be eligible for judging each bakery must use three Champion products, one of which must be either Champion Breadmix Hot Cross Bun mix or Champion Flour,” Paul said.
The Bake Off runs from early February to March with the winners announced at the end of March / early April. The winning bakeries will receive $1500 each plus a customised promotion package for the store.
Bakeries have until 9 March to enter in the bake off, although it is recommended that they register immediately.
To enter the Easter Bun Bake Off 2011, bakeries should indicate they wish to enter if phoned, they can telephone 0800 11 0800, register online at www.championflour.co.nz or contact their Champion expert in their territory.
Last year’s North Island winner was Wild Wheat bakery in Pakuranga, whilst the South Island top spot was claimed by Kidds Cakes and Bakery in Christchurch.