Cowra is home to the best lamington maker in the state, following the recent announcement that Cathryn Williamson has taken out this year’s prize for the best lamington at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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Cathryn, a Major at the Salvation Army in Cowra, says she has refined her recipe after being disqualified and missing the placings the past two years she’s entered.
Up against about 14 baking hopefuls this year, Cathryn was shocked to be recognised as the state’s best and collect the $150 prize.
“I was actually surprised. Not everyone enters and comes away with a first prize.
“I’ve entered the Royal Easter Show three times for lamingtons. Two years ago I was disqualified because they weren’t a cube. When they cut it, it wasn’t a perfect square so I was eliminated,” she said.
“I’ve been making lamingtons for quite awhile.
“I’ve refined the recipe. I’ve tweaked it a bit,” she said.
It’s not the first time Cathryn’s masterpiece lamingtons have earned recognition having won the first prize at the Royal Brisbane Show five years ago.
This year’s win marks Cathryn’s third successive year she’s picked up an award at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, with her marble cake and almond bread impressing judges in 2015 and 2016.
In regards to her lamingtons, she said one of her secrets is freezing the cake overnight before dipping it in chocolate to ensure an even covering of icing, also sifting the coconut so only the finest pieces are on display.
Cathryn says her focus has turned to winning the slice section next year.
“I need to win at slice. You have to do vanilla, caramel and raspberry coconut slice. Two pieces of each, five by three centimeter pieces.”
Cathryn also won highly commended in chocolate sponge and cup cakes.
Cathryn’s lamingtons will be available next week at a stall on Kendal Street. They’re also available at a stall at Bunnings the first Saturday of each month and at the community markets on the third Saturday of the month.