Calling professional chefs to a bake-off

Following the same model as the competition for its retail consumers that began in the US in 1949, this competition will encourage industry cooks and chefs to create innovative and delicious recipes using the company's products.

"New and existing customers will have the opportunity to get to know our product range on a more intimate level,” says Leigh Mervitz brand manager for Pillsbury. “Experimentation will be key when coming up with exciting recipe ideas for the competition. We know that the end user will be delighted with the quality solutions that the brand has to offer."

Entry categories

There are three different professional categories - hotel and restaurant chefs; canteen or contract catering unit chefs; and B&B chefs, as well as trainee chefs.

Recipes will be judged according to taste, appearance, creativity and consumer appeal.

One winner from each category will share a total cash prize of R30 000. The first and second runner up in each category will win a five-day training course at the South African Chefs Association's culinary school and the top 10 finalists will receive a product hamper. The top three winning recipes will be highlighted on the Pillsbury and South African Chefs Association websites, as well as various media channels.

"Public vote is encouraged to assist with the process of narrowing down the final 10. These 10 will then Bake-Off at a final gala event. To track progress and comment on the competition, customers should also visit the South African Chefs Association's Facebook page and click on the Bake-Off link," says Mervitz.

The Bake-Off Competition will run through to 28 February 2010. To enter, view recipe submissions or vote, visit www.hospitalitymarketplace.co.za.