Edinburgh food blogger crowned best home baker in Scotland

An Edinburgh food blogger has been crowned Scotland’s finest home baker in time for the finale of the hit TV show, The Great British Bake Off.

Article Source: The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Last Updated: 15 December 2020 10:59

An Edinburgh food blogger has been crowned Scotland’s finest home baker in time for the finale of the hit TV show, The Great British Bake Off.

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery has named University of Edinburgh student, Sophie Greig, as its champion home baker following its nationwide search earlier this year. Sophie lives in the Marchmont area of the city.

Amateur bakers from John o' Groats to Jedburgh were encouraged to slip on their aprons and show off their culinary creations for a chance to be featured on The Scottish Cafe’s iconic afternoon tea menu.

From classic cream cakes to indulgent gateaus and classic cupcakes, The Scottish Cafe received an overwhelming variety of mouthwatering entries from the country’s most talented home cooks, including mums, dads, grandparents and children of all ages. Entries were also encouraged from schools, colleges and families.

Sophie, who says she’s a “Food obsessed amateur cook and baker”, came out on top as this year’s ‘Contini Bake Off’ champion, having impressed the judges with her classic Caramel Apple Paris Brest recipe.

Sophie shares her recipes, reviews and food inspiration on her Instagram channel, ‘Sophie’s Slice’ https://www.instagram.com/sophies_slice, which has over 1,300 followers.

Head ‘Contini Bake Off’ judge and Scottish Cafe owner, Carina Contini, was joined by the venue’s specialist pastry chefs to select the overall star baker. They were on the lookout for technical ability, creative flair, originality and use of local ingredients, but ultimately a delicious and eye-catching addition to The Scottish Cafe’s signature afternoon tea menu.

Commenting on being crowned winner of the ‘Contini Bake Off’ 2020, Sophie said: “I entered the competition with my bake because it’s a favourite of my family. I’m thrilled and shocked to have won.”

Carina Contini added: “We’re absolutely delighted that Sophie has become the winner of this year’s Contini Bake Off competition.

“With the home baking trend continuing to grip the nation, we wanted to encourage talented amateur cooks of all ages to put their culinary skills in the limelight. Sophie really did rise to the challenge and dazzled us with her creative flair.

“As the home of one of Edinburgh’s finest afternoon teas at the Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish Cafe is the perfect setting to celebrate this iconic British dining tradition, as well as people’s passion for beautifully presented and mouthwateringly delicious food.

“We look forward to launching our third annual search for Scotland’s best home baker in 2021.”

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is an independent, family business owned and operated by Edinburgh restaurateurs, Victor and Carina Contini, who showcase the very best seasonal and local Scottish produce. The Scottish Cafe has been home to one of the finest afternoon teas in Scotland for over a decade.

For more information on The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant, visit www.contini.com/scottish-cafe-and-restaurant and follow on Instagram (www.instagram.com/thescottishcafe), Twitter (https://twitter.com/Continibites) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/theScottishCafe).

To follow Sophie on Instagram at ‘Sophie’s Slice’, go to www.instagram.com/sophies_slice

Image: Sophie Greig

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