Catherine Leyden of Odlums on rising to the top in home baking at summer shows

This is the time of year when the agricultural shows really get going around the country. I believe they are a great asset to rural Ireland, involving huge community effort with most of the work done by volunteers.

The shows are a real social occasion, but they are also very competitive. I must admit I really enjoy spending the day at them, judging the home baking. It’s a pity I can’t get to more.

In the baking section there is often a fair bit of rivalry, as all the good bakers are well known to each other and in their locality.

The tension before the results are announced is quite palpable. To help ease anxiety, I’ve put together some tips about what I’ll be looking out for when I am judging.

My scoring sheet is broken down as follows: presentation, texture and taste. Naturally, as it is home baking, taste is the most crucial element and gets the highest number of points.

Texture is also important when judging, and this is evident when the cakes, tarts and breads are cut. Presentation is significant but not paramount. Exhibitors produce their best bone china and really it is the baking that counts.

The overall baking should be displayed nicely. It also helps if the class sponsor’s logo can be introduced in some way.

Follow the rules

Be sure to follow the rules set out by the show. If the baking is to be displayed on a 24-inch board, don’t present it on anything larger, as it will result in disqualification. I have seen some excellent prize-winning exhibits removed for this reason. When a recipe calls for a particular size tin, use it.

The same applies if the recipe calls for a Victoria sponge and an egg sponge arrives in. Most judges will – or certainly should – know the difference.

When asked to display six scones, buns or biscuits, just show the six. Any more or less again leads to disqualification. Overall baking results are very important.

Interest in home baking is on the increase, thankfully. Most shows now have junior sections and it is great to see such a high standard with the younger generation.

Cupcakes are very popular with this group, just make sure the bun under all the icing is edible.

Good luck with your baking and thank you for taking the time to partake in your local show.

Odlums sponsors the All-Ireland Home Baking Championship at the Tullamore Show in August and there are lots of qualifying shows around the country.

I really look forward to this annual event. Judging can be very difficult but thankfully for the last few years, with my scoring sheet, I have always had an outright winner: no ties!

The prizes around the country are pretty good, as well as the honour of winning. The cherry cake at the Iverk Show is a legendary.

Hopefully, these tips and hints are useful to you and I look forward to meeting many of you around the country this summer.