GRACE COLLEGE BAKES TO GLORY

An inside-out cake depicting a woodland scene, complete with fondant creatures, flowers and foliage, nabbed the win for Grace College at the Great Schools’ Bake-Off at The Quarry Centre last Saturday.

The winning showstopper was created by a group of pupils in Grades 8, 9 and 10, under the guidance of two staff members.

Having spent weeks preparing their masterpiece, which featured many intricate elements, each emphasising the idea of happiness, they were understandably ecstatic about the win and getting the R8 000 in prize money for their school.

Marketing manager of Grace College, Kevin Christie, said:

“Our learners were excited that the cake received such a positive response from the judges and the general public. Our learners are already excited about the event next year and working on ideas for their next showstopper.

“The prize money the school receives will be put towards a feature in our new classroom block that will benefit all of our current and future students.”

A stunning three-tiered cake entered by Seedlings Montessori and a whimsical, buttercream delight made by the Grade 7s from Laddsworth took second and third spots.

In total, 10 schools from

Hilton, Howick and Pietermaritzburg competed in the inaugural Great Schools’ Bake-Off.

Each school had to interpret the theme ‘What makes you happy’ in creative ways.

The fundraising event provided local schools with an opportunity to raise money for their respective schools in a family-friendly setting.

In addition to an assortment of homemade cakes, brownies, biscuits, cupcakes and other delicious treats, each school presented a showstopper, which was judged by Jackie Cameron from Jackie Cameron School of

Food and Wine, Kershni Naidoo from Cakes by Kersh and a former contestant on the Great

South African Bake-Off, Shan Ford, owner of the Cake Away cake shop at The Quarry Centre and The Little Mermaid from the Fairytale Express.

“The Great Schools’ Bake-Off was such a fantastic morning,” said Cameron. “It was wonderful to see each school’s spirit and competitive flair.

“Each showstopper was unique and well thought out, but Grace College’s cake stood out as it was made by the students themselves and we could see the youthful energy and creativity shining through.”

Organiser and Quarry Centre marketing representative, Nikki Downs said they had been “overwhelmed by the incredible effort and quality of baking presented.”

She added: “Congratulations to all schools who participated and thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.”

Watch the Pixzar video to see what happened at this special event.

Judges (from left), the Little Mermaid from the Fairytale Express, Shan Ford, owner of Cake Away, Jackie Cameron from Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine and Kershni Naidoo, owner of Cakes by Kersh are pictured with the winning showstopper, created by pupils at Grace College.

This three-tiered stunner, created by one of the grandparents of a pupil at Seedlings Montessori, took second place. It was inspired by pictures drawn by the children of things that make them happy.

Leesha Mahadave was the winner of Laddsworth Primary School’s beautiful showstopper cake, which was third in The Great Schools Bake Off. Mahadave said: “Thank you so much Laddsworth Primary School and all those that put their amazing work into the definite showstopper masterpiece cake! What a wonderful surprise it was! Much appreciated and it tastes delicious!”