ONE Ballarat bakery has struck gold with its vanilla slice recipe.
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Golden Nugget Bakery’s pastry creation was named the best in Australia at the prestigious Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph last Saturday.
More than 20 bakers from across the country entered the professional vanilla slice category, with the Ballarat store taking home the prize.
This is the first time the bakery has won the top prize in the 10 years it has entered the national competition.
Owner Colin Matthews said he was proud his team’s efforts had been rewarded.
"This is a highly recognised award in our industry," he said.
The team entered the competition in June and submitted six of their finest slices for the judging panel in Merbein, near Mildura, last Saturday.
Judges critiqued the pastry’s mouth-feel, look and taste.
Mr Matthews sought feedback from the judges each year that he entered to help improve the product.
“You need fresh and good quality ingredients and that’s what we have always used,” he said. “(The slices) also need a soft and creamy centre, crisp pastry and light fondant glaze.”
The bakery’s slice placed second in the national competition last year.
Before the win the bakery was preparing 100 vanilla slices, across their three Ballarat stores, each day. Now the store is averaging between 500 and 600 slices.
The Old Continental Bakehouse in Mildura and Bourkies Bakehouse in Woodend placed second and third in the professional vanilla slice category on the day
