Marie Mulhern is awarded first prize at North West Regional College’s Bake off competition by judge Clare Goodman, Green Cat. Also included from left are: Gloria Bennett (third place), Shelly McLaughlin, Primrose, (Judge), Pauline McFarland (second), Melanie Breslin, Primrose, (Judge), Leyonia Davey, Curriculum Manager, NWRC, Damien Bonner, 2 North (Judge), Bernadette Peoples, Event Organiser and NWRC Lecturer, and Kathleen McCaul, Department Head of Business, Hospitality, Tourism and Performing Arts at NWRC. (Martin McKeown).
The two competitions, which were hosted at NWRC’s Flying Clipper restaurant, required participants to design, create and produce their own Afternoon Tea Menus, paying close attention to quality, time management, presentation and taste.
Leah Kelly, a 15 year old student from St Cecilia’s College was awarded the ‘Top Baker’ title in the Post Primary school category, for ‘Leah’s Tea House’ Afternoon Tea package.
During the intense morning of competition, the Year 11 student, competing against other finalists from Moville Community College, produced a Rainbow Sandwich, Orange Cranberry Scones, White Chocolate and Pretzel Cookies, and Banana Date Cake with Walnut and Honey Glaze.
Marie Mulhern, who is currently studying for City & Guilds L2 NVQ Diploma in Food Production ( Specialising In Breads, Pastry and Desserts) at NWRC Strand Road, was crowned Queen of the Bake Off in the Inter Campus Category.
Going head to head against other Hospitality students at the college, Marie created Coronation Chicken and Coriander Salad mini sandwiches, Cranberry and Orange scones served with a Cranberry and Orange Jam and freshly Whipped Cream, mini Red Wine cake with Cream Cheese frosting and dusted with cocoa powder, and Lemon Tartlet drizzled with Chocolate and decorated with fresh Raspberries.
Claire Goodman, Green Cat Bakery, one of the judges in the Inter Campus Category, said the judges had a tough time selecting the overall winner given the standard of baking on show.
She said: “All of the judges were impressed by the quality of the foods that were produced, but also the work that was done behind the scenes.
“The work that went into planning the menus, preparation and timings was superb.
“All of the students who took part put a great deal of time and effort in and I’d like to congratulate every one of them.”
Lecturer Bernadette Peoples said the college’s first ever Baking Championships had been a huge success.
She added: “We were delighted to welcome post primary pupils, and of course our own students, to the industry standard kitchens at Strand Road campus for a competition that has been a huge success.
“With the popularity of shows such as ‘The Great British Bake Off,’ demand for courses in Baking and Pastry making has never been higher.
“This year we decided to run the Baking Championships with the theme of Afternoon Tea, challenging all of our participants in both sweet and savoury, as well as testing their preparation, time management and presentation skills.
Leah Kelly, St. Cecilia’s College, winner of the North West Regional College Schools Bake Off Competition, pictured with Bernie McGibney, Judge, Douglas Walker, NWRC Lecturer and Bernie Peoples, NWRC Lecturer.
“We hope to repeat this success by running a similar competition next year.”
North West Regional College offers a number of learning opportunities that can provide a direct route into a career in the Hospitality industry at their campuses in Strand Road and Limavady.
As well as full time courses in Hospitality and Catering, NWRC also offers part time and short courses. The college’s 2019-2020 part time prospectus will be published in May.
For more details follow the college’s social media pages on @mynwrc or log on to www.nwrc.ac.uk/hospitality
Stella Lynch, from Strand Road Campus who was awarded second place in NWRC’s Inter Campus Baking Championship. (Martin McKeown).
