Lothians Schoolgirl crowned best home baker in Scotland

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh has named 14-year-old Grace Warnock its champion home baker following its nationwide search earlier this year.

A schoolgirl from Prestonpans in East Lothian has been crowned Scotland’s finest home baker.

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh has named 14-year-old Grace Warnock its champion home baker following its nationwide search earlier this year.

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.

Grace, who attends Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans, came out on top as the first ‘Contini Bake Off’ champion, having impressed the judges with her Trifle, Banoffee, Apple Pie and Lemon Meringue cupcakes. Grace has been baking at home with her mum since she was only three years old and really enjoys baking crispy cakes, biscuits and bread in the kitchen with her family.

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.

The judges were unanimous in their decision to choose Grace for the top accolade. As part of her prize, Grace recently joined Carina Contini for an afternoon tea masterclass at The Scottish Cafe, before recreating her own recipe, which will be showcased on the afternoon tea menu throughout November.

Commenting on being crowned winner of the ‘Contini Bake Off’ 2019, Grace said: “I’m so excited to be the first Contini Bake Off champion.

“My trifle cupcake is my favourite and I think it’s the perfect choice for Christmas too. My recipe combines vanilla cake, custard filling, a jelly centre made of from my own homemade jam and whipped cream icing. I bake mainly cakes and biscuits at home, but I'm trying to practice other things like pastry and bread too.”

Carina Contini added: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Grace has become the winner of our first ever Contini Bake Off competition and we can’t wait to showcase her delicious cupcakes on The Scottish Cafe afternoon tea menu this month.

“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. Grace 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 second annual search for Scotland’s best home baker in 2020.”

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. In 2019, The Scottish Cafe is celebrating a decade of being home to one of the finest afternoon teas in Scotland, which includes a dedicated scone trolley service.

For more information on The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant, visit www.contini.com/scottish-cafe-and-restaurant
Instagram www.instagram.com/thescottishcafe,
Twitter @Continibites
Facebook www.facebook.com/theScottishCafe

Image: Carina Contini with winner Grace Warnock

Last Updated: 21 November 2019 16:02

Source: Taste Communications

Latest Local News

The Scottish Wedding Show returns for its February showcase

Scotland’s largest wedding showcase will be returning to the SEC, Glasgow next month, offering brides and grooms-to-be everything they need to plan their perfect wedding, under one roof!

Last Updated: 17th January 2020

Book up to break away with Macdonald Resorts

Macdonald Resorts has unveiled its 2020 holiday offers and Winter Sale!

Last Updated: 13th January 2020

GRAHAM kick starts partnership with Street League

Construction company, GRAHAM has agreed a partnership with Street League – the UK’s leading ‘sport for employment’ charity which targets sports to engage with young people.

Last Updated: 13th January 2020

Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel opens its venue to brides and grooms

To help budding brides and grooms organise their perfect day, Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, near Livingston, will be hosting a special Wedding Open Day on Sunday 12 January.

Last Updated: 8th January 2020

Salvage Hunters on hunt for Scottish locations to feature on the upcoming series

Salvage Hunters, the well-loved and most watched Discovery Network show is on the hunt for locations to feature on the upcoming series.

Last Updated: 7th January 2020

National Theatre Live: Best of 2019 returns to Vue Edinburgh Omni

After a great year of live theatre on the big screen, Vue and National Theatre are bringing some of the biggest shows of 2019 back to the big screen in Edinburgh.

Last Updated: 29th December 2019

Photo Illusions Created by Homeless Young Scots go on Show

An exhibition of mind-bending photographic illusions created by young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, opens in Edinburgh just before Christmas.

Last Updated: 18th December 2019

Macdonald Resorts to help spread Christmas cheer with Emergency Service Discount

To thank Emergency Service workers and help them relax after the festive season, Macdonald Resorts is offering an exclusive discount to be enjoyed after the big day.

Last Updated: 12th December 2019

Eat, Rock and Be Merry at Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow and Edinburgh this Christmas

Hard Rock Cafe® Glasgow and Edinburgh Serve Up Limited-Time, Multi-Course Menu Offerings and Breakfast with Santa for the Holidays.

Last Updated: 11th December 2019

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival 2020 commission announced

Imaginate is delighted to announce that its 2020 Festival commission will be 'Learning to Fly'a production by Barrowland Ballet.

Last Updated: 11th December 2019

Big Screen Christmas treats coming up at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni

This Christmas, visitors to Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni can expect a festive array of screenings, including old classics, newly released films, live music and more.

Last Updated: 10th December 2019

Planning a festive proposal...

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has marked the most romantic locations within its hotels with a velvet cushion designed to provide comfort to those getting down on one knee.

Last Updated: 10th December 2019

Mrs Browns Boys is Back!

The Award-Winning Brendan O’Carroll and Mrs. Brown’s Boys have announced a live return to Edinburgh in 2020 with ‘Mrs Brown D’ Live Show.

Last Updated: 7th December 2019

Roland Gulliver to step down as Associate Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival

Roland Gulliver is to leave his role as Associate Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival in spring 2020 to take up an exciting new role which will be announced shortly.

Last Updated: 6th December 2019

Award winning 21 year old CEO, Chris Thomas, reveals the secrets of his success

21 year old Chris Thomas, the CEO of incovo, has just scooped the award for 'Business Growth' at the West Lothian Business Awards!

Last Updated: 6th December 2019

Scotch liqueur crowned king of the castle in Edinburgh

Scotland’s leading Scotch malt whisky cream liqueur, Magnum, has been crowned one of the top selling products at Edinburgh Castle after smashing its annual sales target.

Last Updated: 4th December 2019

Edinburgh Gin Advert premieres with projection onto The Dome

Edinburgh Gin premieres its new advert on the streets of Edinburgh at 6pm tonight, with a special night-time projection on one of the city’s most iconic buildings, The Dome.

Last Updated: 3rd December 2019

Festive fun for a good cause at Edinburgh care home

On Saturday 7th December, from 2pm-4pm, the Care UK team at Cairdean House, on Redford Road, will open the home’s doors for a Christmas celebration in aid of the Bethany Christian Trust.

Last Updated: 3rd December 2019

Traverse Theatre announces Spring 2020 Season

Traverse Theatre announces Spring 2020 Season and launches £1 tickets for young people and those in receipt of a range of allowances.

Last Updated: 2nd December 2019

Alasdair Gray wins the Inaugural Saltire Society Scottish Lifetime Achievement Award

In a ceremony presided over by BBC Presenter Cathy MacDonald, Alasdair Gray was awarded the inaugural Saltire Society Scottish Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Scottish literature.

Last Updated: 1st December 2019

Get your hands on some of the hottest tickets in town this Black Friday

This Black Friday sees some amazing offers available on tickets for the biggest and best shows and gigs in Glasgow and Edinburgh!

Last Updated: 29th November 2019

Edinburgh care home set to celebrate first anniversary in style

Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood is inviting the local community to help mark its first birthday, in true Scottish fashion.

Last Updated: 22nd November 2019

Lothians Schoolgirl crowned best home baker in Scotland

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh has named 14-year-old Grace Warnock its champion home baker following its nationwide search earlier this year.

Last Updated: 21st November 2019

Family festivities begin at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Omni with CBeebies Christmas Show: Hansel and Gretel

Once again, the family-friendly feast of festive fun that is the CBeebies Christmas Show is coming to Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Last Updated: 21st November 2019

Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow and Edinburgh will serve up a rockin meal for guests this Thanksgiving!

Hard Rock Cafe® Glasgow and Edinburgh will extend a warm holiday welcome to guests this Thanksgiving by serving up a limited-time turkey meal on Thursday, 28th November!

Last Updated: 18th November 2019

Edinburgh care home chef turns up the heat in national awards

Iain Young, head chef at Murrayside care home, at South Beechwood, has made it to the final stage in the ‘Nutrition and eating well’ category in the Scottish Care Home Awards 2019.

Last Updated: 14th November 2019

Cat Hepburn embarks on Scottish student tour as part of Book Week Scotland

The Scottish Book Trust has announced that award winning scriptwriter and spoken word artist Cat Hepburn will embark on a tour for Scottish students as part of Book Week Scotland.

Last Updated: 13th November 2019

Traverse Theatre announces new artistic leadership team and board appointments

The Traverse Theatre announces the successful candidates who will join the organisation’s artistic and producing team following an extensive recruitment process.

Last Updated: 13th November 2019