Bakers from near and far around the country will converge on Merbein to find out who has baked the ultimate award winning Vanilla Slice. Throughout the day there will be live entertainment, children’s entertainment and activities, vanilla slices to buy and try, wine tastings and market stalls. It is a great Family fun day out. The Great Vanilla Slice Triumph began in Ouyen in 1998 after then-Victorian premier Geoff Kennett claimed the vanilla slice from the town’s Mallee Bakery was the best he’d ever tasted. Over the years the competition attracted entries from around the state and even from South Australia. In 2012 it moved to Merbein, it was then held in Mildura for three years but has now returned to Merbein .
Merbein was once again given the rights to run the Festival in 2020, but unfortunately due to COVID-19 the event was canceled twice – but in 2022 the Event went ahead successfully with around 5,500 people attending and with approx. 20,000 vanilla slices being sold.
There are two categories that you can enter - Professional and Amateur - and in addition to the traditional Vanilla Slice section there is an Innovative Vanilla Slice award, open to professionals only.
In all other sections there are awards for apprentices, amateurs and juniors.
But the hero remains the vanilla slice, where judges are looking for “a custard with a creamy smooth texture and a balance of vanilla taste with a crisp crunchy pastry topped with a smooth and shiny glaze fondant”.
This year will see the inclusion of a fruit cake and plum puddings section which willl highlight the amazing dried fruits grown and processed in our region.
THINK YOU HAVE THE WINNING RECIPE??
Entry forms for all categories will be uploaded to the site soon.......
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