Food & Drink

Piece of cake for Bury College pastry student as she scoops prestigious award for second year running

A Bury College student is up for seconds after she retained the title of the North West’s ‘Pastry Chef of the Year’.

Sweet queen Jessica Humphreys, 19, who is studying for a Diploma in Professional Patisserie in Confectionery, fought off fierce competition to scoop the award.

The former Harper Green school pupil’s winning ‘Opera Gateau’ creation consisted of three layers of sponge and a triple layer of filling, including almond sponge, coffee butter cream and chocolate ganache.

Jessica’s prize will be a four-day masterclass with William Curley, the famous British patisserie and chocolatier, based in Twickenham, London.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was announced the winner!” said Ms Humphreys, who aims one day to own her own patisserie.

“Taking part in these competitions has improved my confidence and has developed my skills, such as my chocolate work and making motifs, as well as my general cooking knowledge.”

The sweet treat that won her the title last year was a trio of desserts including a lemon meringue pie, chocolate truffle and cake bobou.

Assistant Curriculum Manager for Catering at Bury College Mo Daho said: “Jessica has always shown 100% commitment and determination in order to produce very high standards of work.

“She has been an outstanding student and I hope that she will one day pass her skills to other youngsters.”

The North West Commis Pastry Chef of the Year competition sees students from eight colleges across the North West battle it out for the esteemed title.

Voluntary group Association Culinaire Française de Secours Mutuel run the award and they originally formed in 1932 with the intention of promoting French culinary arts in the UK.

Image courtesy of Ingy The Wingy with thanks

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