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New World Warkworth owner Anna Carmichael (left) with Baker of the Year Ainsley Cole.
Warkworth baker Ainsley Cole has out-baked the best to clinch the coveted Foodstuffs NZ Baker of the Year title.Ainsley received her award at a glittering event held at the ASB Showgrounds last month, attended by around 650 people and hosted by Jeremy Corbett.
She admits she may have her Gran to thank for her prize.
“There are three parts to the competition,” she says.
“In the first round, all contestants have to bake a chocolate mud cake, ciabatta loaf and two mini baguettes.
“Then the top 20 bakers have to use the same recipe and products to produce a chocolate cake, cardamom braid, cup cakes, cheesecake and shortbread.
“The final round involves tasting a mystery product and recreating it. Luckily for me, it tasted just like a loaf my Gran used to make and I was the only contestant who nailed it!”
Ainsley, who is the daughter of Barry and Dianne Cole of Sandspit, has been a baker at New World Warkworth since 2003. She normally works a 10-hour day, starting at 4am.
“I love everything about baking – the creativity, the challenge of learning new things, and of producing a smile on the faces of our customers.”
New World owner Anna Carmichael says the whole store has celebrated Ainsley’s win.
“We are very proud of Ainsley’s achievement and it’s a great accolade for New World Warkworth,” Anna says.
