A WESTERN Australian man has out-baked 63 others at this year’s Bloke’s Chocolate Cake competition at the Penola Show.
Renowned cattle judge Murray Williams had travelled interstate to adjudicate the cattle competition but enrolled in the male-only bake event to test his skills.
After six attempts at baking the perfect chocolate cake, Mr Williams felt he had finally perfected the craft with his final piece.
The judges agreed and his chocolate creation was crowned winner of the novelty competition, which has gained interest across the country.
“This competition may not run forever, but it certainly creates a lot of attention,” he said.
“I live between two small regional towns and am part of the district tennis club.
“The club members have tested my practice cakes in the lead up to the competition and they think this idea is a fantastic one.”
Mr Williams said country shows triggered precious memories of his mother baking for their own show competitions.
“We always had great morning tea for the following days of the show as we would eat the misshaped sausage rolls, scones or whichever else my mother baked,” he said.
“We would also be packed into one car with all the bakes, flowers and farm produce we would have on show because there was no such thing as multiple cars back then.”
Mr Williams congratulated community members and show organisers on the popular competition.
“What Penola has done here is create an interest in shows on an interstate level,” he said.
“My winning went a little viral on (social media) and everyone at home is thrilled.”
Mr Williams said the overall baking process was a learning curve despite not knowing exactly what he had learned.
“I have not been able to work out exactly what makes it work yet,” he said.
“Whether it is the ingredients or the temperature but there was a lot of experimenting that went on.
“I did enjoy making the cakes and everyone that has been eating the test cakes said they have enjoyed them also.”
