Eight school caterers to compete in Big School Bake Off final
Eight school caterers have made it through to the final round of the Big School Bake Off competition, which will take place in September.
Following three heats at this year's LACA conference, 18 semi-finalists were whittled down to eight chefs who will compete in the final at the Knorr kitchen on 29 September.
The semi-finals were judged by former Great British Bake Off winner Jo Wheatley, LACA representative Sylvie Babout and business development chef for Unilever Food Solutions Andy Lagor.
Lagor said: "All of our competitors were brilliant on the day, but only eight could go through and our finalists were really on a roll. They whisked their way through the live semi-finals and proved without a doubt they can rise to the occasion.
"We're really excited about the final, but we'd also like to thank everyone that took part in the semi-final and helped make it such a success. The icing on the cake will be seeing who is crowned the winner at our live final."
The competition was launched in 2014 with the aim of recognising the talent and passion in school kitchens.
The winner will receive the title of Big School Bake Off 2015, a trophy for their school, a workshop for four with Jo Wheatley and £100 in high street vouchers donated by competition supporter Hobart UK.
The eight finalists and their bakes are:
- Katie Thomas, assistant cook, Budbrooke Primary School - carrotastic muffins
- Melanie Sinclair, chef manager, St Paul's School - steamed summer berry sponge
- Paula Broome, catering supervisor, Mundy Junior School - butterfly cupcakes
- Amanda Barrett, catering manager, Bodmin College - ABC muffins
- Stewart Smith, chef manager, Oreston Academy - Oh four goodness cake!
- Kath Breckon, cook, West Cliff Primary School - carrot and pineapple muffins (pictured)
- Anne Holley, cook-in-charge, St Saviours Junior School - chocolate and beetroot muffins
- Suzanne Robertson, school cook, Richmond Methodist School - custard cream biscuits
Unilever and LACA launch the 2015 Big School Bake Off Competition >>
