Four chefs went head-to-head in the final round where their challenge was to create a CHRISTMAS CAKE.
Over the past few months, the inaugural Snowflake Ultimate Creations competition saw some of the most talented, creative and trailblazing industry professionals come together to compete for the grand prize of R25 000 cash and a fantastic chef’s course from the FBI Chef School and Patisserie Academy worth R55 000! In addition, the runner-up walked away with R10 000!
Once the four finalists were chosen, they went head-to-head in the final round which was hosted by the FBI Chef School and Patisserie academy in Johannesburg on the 24th of November. The theme of the final challenge was to create a CHRISTMAS CAKE where each individual was scored on versatility and innovation.
As the finale started, the pressure was on and the HEAT was turned up as the panel of judges were no walk in the park. The show-stopping entries were judged by two Snowflake representatives, Sibongile Mooko and Melissa De Beer, as well as the finest industry professionals from the FBI Chef School and Patisserie Academy – Nicolas van der Walt and Vincent Bernhardt.
When the clock struck 9:30am there was no time to waste. The contestants had to make every single minute count as there was an intense list of criteria to meet. The judges focused on 5 main pillars being creativity, the use of Snowflake products, level of difficulty, taste and overall appearance. As soon as 14:00 arrived, everyone stopped baking and the final decision was made after much deliberation…
Cindy Linford came out as the Snowflake Ultimate Creations grand finale winner! If there ever was a perfect Christmas cake, this would be it.
Made with flop-proof Snowflake perfection, two separate layers of spicy pumpkin fruit and orange sponge, filled with cherry cream cheese mousse and topped with hazelnut praline and chocolate ganache buttercream, every last bite left you wanting even more.
Last but not least, the runner up was awarded to Kurhula Makhuvele! This gorgeous Snowflake creation combined all the wonderful flavours of Christmas with a delicious orange chocolate sponge, strawberry mousse, cookies & cream mousse, almond praline ganache and Italian meringue buttercream.
A wonderful day was had by all and it was incredible to see all the creative talent that our aspiring South African chefs have to offer. A big well done goes out to everyone who entered the competition and we look forward to what the future holds for the next installation in 2022!
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