Entering cakes in the show!

[Rouge]

That is soooooo awesome! You MUST take photos Goodluck!!!!!

[Phteven]

Good luck!! I entered a cake in the show when I was a kid. I was so shattered when it didn't win lol.

[Trillian]

I enter cooking in our local show. I was given a 'tip sheet' a few years ago when I first started entering.

• The main judging points are overall appearance, the cut of the cake, the smell and the taste.
• Read your schedule eg, may state loaf tin for certain cakes
• There should be no wire rack marks on the bottom of the cake so cover with a couple of tea towels
• Check to make sure your cake is cooked enough. If they are under cooked they are sticky on top. Don't use a skewer to test as this could cause the cake to sink.
• If the schedule calls for the cake to be iced, then make it a neat, even thickness and not to run down the sides. Best colour icing is chocolate, vanilla, lemon, orange or pale pink. Avoid bright colours. Dip your knife in a cup of hot water to get a smoother finish.
• Small cakes and biscuits should be dainty and not too big
• Date loaf should be make in a loaf tin
• Sponges in an 18cm round tin, sandwich with a thin layer of jam and do not use cream
• scones should be cooked separately on trays never touching
• if you have had your cakes in the freezer make sure you have them out at least 24 hours before time to thaw
• use boards or foam meat trays covered in foil and use oven bags to cover, do not use sticky tape underneath as the judges need to open them

Obviously some of those things may not apply because each show will be different, but make sure that you carefully study the show schedule as for slices they require them to be cut to a certain size and they will measure to make sure that they are. Make sure that you use the right size of cupcake, otherwise they may consider it to be a muffin etc.

It really isn't a drama to enter - I do all my cooking the day before and take it in first thing on judging day. Most of all have fun - I have won several prizes for my cooking and it's always a buzz to see that you have won!

[Astrid]

Ooh, very exciting. I am contemplating entering some cakes into our local show. Can't wait to find out how well you went

[Trillian]

Astrid, you should definitely do it. They usually always have a kids section too and you should get DD1 involved. My girls have started as well and they really enjoy it. Not only that, in smaller areas the women who always bake for the show are getting older and there needs to be younger ones like us taking their place.

[Astrid]

Well I am considering joining the local Chicks With Attitude group Sure I could learn some baking tips from some of those Ladies

[Rouge]

Oh ASTRID! I'm so jealous! You have to! It's one of the biggest pro's of being where you are