Following an intense final at the KNORR kitchen, Sarah Medlicott from Torbay School in Paignton has been crowned the winner of the first ever Big School Bake Off competition.
The finalists were judged on a technical challenge where they were offered a selection of ingredients to create their take on the perfect Victoria sandwich.
TV Bake Off winner Jo Wheatley led the team of judges, which included LACA national chair Carrieanne Bishop, LACA board member & director Anne Bull and Unilever Food Solutions education chef Andy Lagor. Finalists were marked on their choice of ingredients, skill and creativity, as well as the texture, moistness and taste of their bakes.
Sarah’s Victoria sandwich was declared the ‘best overall’ bake by the judges after a thorough taste test. On her win, Sarah said: “It’s such an honour to win the first ever Big School Bake Off competition. The school is going to be thrilled. It’s great to have all our hard work celebrated in this way and I can’t wait until next year’s competition to retain my crown.”
Excellent response
James Allred, channel marketing manager, Unilever Food Solutions, said: “We’ve been delighted with the response to our first ever Big School Bake Off competition. We launched the competition as part of our own School Food Programme and to support the Government’s School Food Plan to raise the profile of school caterers. We hope that this competition goes a way to recognise the great talent and passion we know there is in school kitchens. The standard was really high and there were tough choices made by the judges but in the end Sarah’s bake really stood out.”
Sarah wins the title Big School Bake Off Winner 2014, a trophy for herself and a separate one for her school. Her prize also included Tea at The Ritz for herself and a friend, a baking workshop for four with Jo Wheatley, and £50 of high street shopping vouchers.
Hobart UK, who provided the mixers for the event, donated a mixer to the winner.