Masterton Bakery Set To Defend Title

NEWS RELEASE
17 February 2009

Masterton Bakery Set To Defend Title

The owners of Ten O’Clock Cookie Bakery Cafe in Masterton are hoping to make it three wins in a row when they defend the Café’s title this year as Champion New Zealand’s number one Easter bun bakery.

The Café’s co-owner and baker, Michael Kloeg, said he would be making minor adjustments to last year’s winning formula, in order to claim the top spot in this year’s Champion Easter Bun Bakeoff.

“We try and improve our flavour and texture ever so slightly each year, nothing major, just minor variations with cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and citrus to give our buns a point of difference.”

Goodman Fielder which runs the annual Bakeoff, now in its sixth year, is expecting strong interest from around the country as the competition heats up.

Goodman Fielder Marketing Manager, Mark Killip, said while Easter may seem a long way off, bakeries around the country are already busy honing their skills in preparation for judging.

“Bakeries will need to be on top of their game if they want to satisfy the taste buds of an industry judging panel which will include food expert 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.”

Michael said that well before his buns are sent off for judging he makes trial batches to perfect the balance of flavours.

“We always use good quality ingredients, such as Champion products to ensure consistency and we also use a special bun glaze which has hints of orange and vanilla pod.”

And, Michael’s winning formula is proving to be in ‘hot’ demand, with the café selling as much as 10,000 hot cross buns the day before Good Friday.

Bakeries have until the end of February 2009 to register their shops in order to be in the running to be named Champion New Zealand’s best Easter bun maker.

To enter the 2009 Bakeoff, bakeries can register online for free at www.championflour.co.nz or by calling 0800 11 0800.

The overall winner of the Easter Bun Bakeoff 2009 is expected to be announced mid March.

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