Formosa's Star Bakers revealed

The Formosa Bake Off celebrated the spirit of teamwork with spectacular entries from talented bakers across two categories. Sisters Nancy and Florence clinched the victory in the junior category, while friends Alice and Lottie emerged triumphant in the senior category.

Junior Category Winners: Nancy and Florence captivated the judges with their delicious carrot cake muffins, extravagantly decorated with intricate sugar figures and carrot cut-outs. Their exceptional teamwork and creativity earned them the coveted Star Baker spoon and a Junior Masterchef cookbook as their prize.

Senior Category Winners: Alice and Lottie impressed with a beautifully crafted strawberry gateaux. The cake was elegantly adorned with a subtle cream, colored sprinkles, and fresh strawberries, showcasing their baking prowess. Their outstanding creation won them a Great British Bake Off cookbook and a Formosa Master Baker apron.

Runners-up in both categories were awarded themed spoons or aprons, acknowledging their commendable efforts and contributions to the event.

The judges faced a delightful challenge, given the high standard of entries and the irresistible temptation of second helpings. Despite the tough decisions, the competition celebrated the skill and creativity of all participants.

In a heartwarming gesture, many competitors donated their entries, contributing to a fundraising effort that raised £38 for the local charity, Neighbourcare.

The Formosa Bake Off highlighted the joy of baking, the power of collaboration, and the generosity of the community. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making the event a resounding success!

Stop Press: New date for open-air Film Night

This year's open-air Film Night has been moved from Sunday 8th September to Sunday 15th. As last year organiser Marc Scrimshire will be canvassing residents’ views on what film should be shown, so keep a watch on my blog to see when public polling opens.

The Great Formosa Bake-Off

Calling All Bakers!

Are you ready to whisk your way to glory? Do you have what it takes to rise to the occasion? Then dust off your aprons and preheat those ovens because the Great Formosa Bake-Off is here!

Event Details:

• Date: 29th June 2024

• Time: Entries to be delivered to the tent 15.00-15.30

• Location: The Formosa Bake-Off tent which will be inside the Formosa Garden on the Castellain Road side.
  

Why You Should Enter:

• Show Off Your Skills: This is your chance to showcase your baking prowess and creativity in front of your neighbours and a panel of expert judges.

• Amazing Prizes: We're offering fabulous prizes, including Formosa Bake-Off Aprons, Star Baker wooden spoons and a beautiful recipe book for the winner of each category

• Fun and Festivities: Enjoy a day filled with delicious treats, great company, and loads of fun activities for all ages.
  

Judging

• Carlo Creanza: Carlo loves good food and is passionate about discovering new tastes and cuisines (a Sicilian culinary trip is next on his list). He’s been baking chocolate chip cookies and brownies since he was 5. While he’s a fan of anything salted caramel or of simple sponges with berries, he promises to taste everything and be a totally unbiased judge.

• Alison Lea: Alison is highly qualified for this role, having eaten cake 364 days of the year. Whilst her specialism is largely consumption, she is also known to her family as the Midnight Baker, inexplicably preferring to whip up a batch of cakes in the dead of night. Chocolate, Lemon and Carrot are all winners for this Judge

• Anjum Stuart: Anjum gave up sugar in 2023 so welcomes an excuse to indulge as a judge.  Anjum is a chocoholic and caffeine addict and is excited to try subtle, complex flavours and darker notes that come from a blend of natural flavoured ingredients.  If you see her floating over Formosa Gardens you'll know she's over indulged on your delicious entries and is having a very enjoyable sugar rush!

• Susan Wright: Susan has a sweet tooth and love of almonds plus the ability to discern the perfect ratio between cake and marzipan.  As a previous Formosa Bake Off winner she has probably tasted more cakes than anyone should admit during her extensive confectionary research.   She brings to the role finely tuned taste buds, an impressive tolerance of sugar and a respect for technical excellence.

How to Enter:

• Registration: No need to pre-register - just bring your contribution to the Bake-Off tent.

• Deadline: 15.30 when judging will commence. Winners will be announced at 16.00

• Categories: There are 2 categories in the competition

  • 12 years and under : biscuits or cupcakes

  • 13 years and over : a tea loaf or a celebration cake.

Once the competition is over, you are welcome to collect your entry. Alternatively we can offer your creations to other Family Fun Day guests in return for a donation to Neighbourcare who offer a befriending service in St John's Wood and Maida Vale. Please bring a list of the ingredients you have used if you are donating your entry.

Join Us for a Day of Sweet Success! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, the Great Formosa Bake-Off is the perfect place to test your skills, meet fellow baking enthusiasts, and have a blast. Don't miss your chance to be part of this deliciously exciting event!