A PENARTH mum-of-two is preparing to go into battle armed with a rolling pin and her auntie’s top secret ingredient in an annual baking contest.

Katie Powis has vowed to try and beat last year’s baking feat by entering the Great Charity Bake Off to be held at the Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, on Saturday, November 1.

Katie faces attempting to beat a record 40 plus entrants and bring the trophy back to Penarth.

Reigning champion Penarth mum Sandra Singh is unable to compete as her kitchen is being refitted.

The third annual contest aims to raise more than £1000for Brainstrust and organiser Karen Timbrell says more ‘eaters’, also known as judges, are needed to establish whose creations are the icing on the cake.

Katie, a full-time mum to Isabella, four, and Tomos, two, said: “I entered the Great Charity Bake Off last year, after reading an article about it in the newspaper. It has been the only baking competition I have entered.

“Sadly I just missed out on a win in my category - best decorated cake. I am entering all three adult categories which are best decorated cake, most delicious cake, and cutest cupcake.

“My inspiration this year without giving too much away is the charity bake off itself. The 24 hours before the competition will be hectic. My best decorated cake will be ready the evening before the competition followed by a very busy morning on the day of the competition, baking and decorating for cutest cupcake and most delicious cake.

“I hope the judges and public will love my entries. Competition will be stiff. It is always nerve wracking on the day having people judge your cakes and creations. I have been practising my cake for most delicious category. I have not practised for cutest cupcakes or best decorated cake just in case my practice turns out better than on the day.

“It would be amazing to win in one of the categories. I would really love to win best decorated cake as I missed a win in this category last year. This is an amazing competition, raising money and awareness for a fantastic cause - Brainstrust. It gives the public a great excuse to get those rolling pins and weighing scales out, and get back to basic creature comforts home cooking. I have been baking on and off from the age of five since my nana taught me how to make a Victoria sponge cake. I attended a cake decorating course at St Cyres School in Penarth last year and had an amazing tutor Stephanie Braund. My favourite cake to make and eat is carrot cake. My auntie sent me over her top secret recipe from Canada, and I swear by this recipe with its secret hidden ingredient.”

The 27-year-old, of Norris Close, added: “I would love to enter the Great British Bake Off as I love Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. I particularly like Paul Hollywood recipe for buttery shortbread biscuits, to die for. I would be terrified at Mary and Paul judging my baking creations, I would be worried about those infamous soggy bottoms. Baking has become such a huge hit with competitions and TV shows, as baking and eating cakes is an enjoyable event. Baking is very much a science experiment if you are willing to be creative. It makes great telly when someone creates a fantastic bake, but it makes even better telly when a creation backfires.

“As well as raising money it is also bringing awareness about brain tumours. I was unaware of the symptoms and devastation a brain tumour can bring to a family, but with this amazing competition Karen Timbrell is raising vital funds and awareness for Brainstrust, it is a true inspiration.”

Organiser Karen added: “We are so thrilled that we have over 40 entries this year, and pleased that there is interest and support from our neighbouring towns of Barry and Penarth. We will need even more 'eaters' this year as there is more cake to go around. We are hoping that will mean we will also smash the £1,000 we raised last year. The shiny trophies are ready to give out for the winners to take home with them.”

She said they were keen to attract more youngsters to the new Under 12’s category.

Karen added: The event has grown. People really enjoy themselves whether they have baked or come along to eat and judge. It has a lovely 'feel good factor' to it and because people enjoy themselves so much they come back each year and bring someone new along too! “

PANEL

To get involved, enter bakes in any categories, attend and view, eat cake and judge entries.

To bake, text or call Karen on 07766906100 with name and category.

Bring along cakes between 1pm and 1.30pm on the day.

To attend, eat and judge go to the venue from 2pm to 4pm. Pay £5 to receive tokens for five pieces of cake to try, plus a voting slip to vote for your favourites.

Winners will be announced at 4pm.

Best decorated category cakes will be available to buy and take home at the end of the afternoon with proceeds to the charity.

Alternatively, visit www.justgiving.com/Great-Charity-Bake-Off