Packet cakes in cooking competitions

Cooking competitions have been run for 90 years by the Country Women's Association


The Queensland arm of the Country Women's Association (CWA), best known for their wonderful home cooking skills have decided to create a "packet cake category" in their cooking competitions at local shows.

"CWA has always been known for its cooking," Jan said. "It was in the war years that CWA became so important. "We provided meals for soldiers and their families." Jan understands the mixed reaction to the new category in the competition. "We're becoming more inclusive," she said. "Now you don't have to be a member to enter. "Many mothers are busy working these days and may not have the time to make cakes from scratch."  Jan said packet cakes offered numerous benefits.  "Sometimes you can't even tell the difference," she said. "And there are economic benefits.  "Even some of our older members are getting tired and, for them, packet cakes are a great option."

I am no fan of packet cakes, I find them very sweet (I like to know what is going into my cake) and they don't have the same texture as one made from scratch.  Its a little sad to think that people are loosing the skills of making a basic cake.  The New South Wales arm of the CWA say they are not following suit. 

I have to agree with this quote by Heather Allen, CWA member: "I just think it's pretty sad that they're not going to nurture the young ones and teach them how to make the cakes," she said. (source) I am a big supporter of teaching young ones how to cook (boys and girls) and cake making was always part of my childrens training. They loved making cakes and loved eating cakes.

What do you think of this?

Am I being a cake snob?

Even my dad thought this was all a bit sad.



Comments

  1. I think that's sad. Apart from anything else weighing & measuring ingredients is good math training.

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  2. Hi Jolouise! I agree with you - it's sad! I really don't like packet cakes either.

    On a happy note, I am not sure you saw but you were one of the giveaway winners at The Happy Larder! :-) Kirsten x

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  3. Surely its not a proper competition if you haven't made it yourself?!?!?!?

    My daughter already loves to make cakes.... and so she should.... and hopefully one day she also has the pleasure of teaching her daughter to do the same!!!!

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    1. Yes, it's one of the categories in Queensland :(

      No idea why as basic cakes aren't hard to make at all. Well done to your daughter, it's a great skill to have. My sons love cooking and my daughter-in-law loves to make cakes so I know their children will be well taught.

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  4. I don't think you're a cake snob at all - I think this is really pathetic. How can there even BE a competition if you're using a packet mix???? Who's really winning - the brand of the packet mix???? Haha
    No, really, I think this is all a part of the dumbing down of society - and seriously, it barely takes longer to make a cake from scratch than it does to use a packet.
    And I agree with the above comment - making cakes and other cooking for scratch is excellent math practise for children! :)

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    1. I just don't see the point of having a competition with packet cake, there is no skill in making on!!!

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