GREAT IRISH BAKE OFF
IS YOUR soda bread second to none? Are you able to whip up a batch of brown to rival any professional bakery?
If you’re famous for your doughy delights at home then it’s time to come out of the kitchen as you could be in with the chance of winning €10,000.
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition is looking for the loveliest loaf in Ireland. Run by a collaboration of the National Ploughing Association, the Irish Countrywomen’s Association and leading supermarket Aldi, the competition has turned into an annual event much-loved by home cooks.
Last year entries came in from all over the country but there could only be one winner and it was the turn of Mary Conway from Sligo whose delicious brown bread rose to the challenge. Mary launched the competition this year and is urging people to get involved.
‘I was thrilled to have won last year, I was up against some of the best,’ she says. ‘The competition was great fun and I met some wonderful people along the way. It is so exciting for me seeing my bread, Mary’s Soda Bread, on the shelves of Aldi stores nationwide.’
Winners have the chance to earn some serious dough, with a share of the profits from sales of their winning loaf once it goes on sale in Aldi. Second place will receive €1,000, €500 for third, €300 for fourth and the other semi-finalists will all get €200 each.
This year, entering the competition will be easier than ever as keen bakers who can’t make it to any of the ICA heats will be able to bring their freshly-baked creations to three Aldi locations nationwide for tasting by the panel of independent judges.
You can drop off your loaf to Aldi Ireland Head Office, Newbridge Road, Naas, Co. Kildare, on May 22, Aldi Regional Office, Limerick Road, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, on May 22 and Aldi’s store in Oranmore, Co. Galway, on May 29.
People interested in entering at the above Aldi venues are asked to email brownbread@aldi.ie to register or you can turn up at one of the nationwide heats across the country.