Bakers and pastry chefs across Scotland have until this Friday to enter the country’s first-ever croissant competition.
The contest is being organised by the Edinburgh Butter Company with support from sponsors The Balmoral Hotel, Rackmaster Limited, Baking & Catering Equipment, Mark Murphy and Tipo Restaurant.
The registration deadline for entry is this Friday, October 11, so a last invite has gone out top bakers, from home-based micro bakers to professional pâtissiers, to showcase their skills for the title of Scotland’s Best Croissant.
Set to take place in Edinburgh, the competition’s sole requirement is that each croissant must be crafted using the Edinburgh Butter Company’s sheet butter, which has been specially formulated for pastry lamination, the technique used to make croissants.
Judging will take place on Monday, October 28th, in the Esk Suite at The Balmoral Hotel, where entrants must present six plain croissants to a high-powered panel of judges, and leading pastry chefs including executive pastry chef at The Balmoral Hotel, Ross Sneddon; owner of Lannan Bakery, Darcie Maher; head pastry chef at two Michelin starred restaurant, The Glenturret, Kayleigh Turner; owner of Ruff Puff Brownies (and a previous winner of The Great British Bake Off) John Whaite; food and travel writer, Milly Kenny-Ryder; and director of Edinburgh Butter Company, Chloe Black.
The judging criteria will focus on shape, colour, pastry development, texture, and taste.
Chloe Black said: “At the Edinburgh Butter Company we feel our cultured butter has long been the secret ingredient behind Scotland’s finest viennoiserie.
“After hearing from our talented network of bakers, we realised there was a strong desire for a competition that truly celebrates the craftsmanship of croissant-making. We saw an opportunity to create an event that focuses on the quality of individual creations, ensuring that every bakery in Scotland has a fair chance to shine.”
The winner will receive a trophy and a meal for two at Edinburgh restaurant Tipo. Second Prize is a £150 voucher for Rackmaster bakery equipment and the third placed bakery will receive an Edinburgh Butter Company goodie bag. The competition will be held on October 28th at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Judging will take place between 10:30 AM and 12 PM, followed by a prize-giving ceremony, refreshments, and networking opportunities.
To secure their spot, visit the competition website here.
