Paul wins bread show prizes

Head baker at Bakers Delight, Paul Sharpe, has won three prizes in the Castle Hill Bread Show.

Paul won a first for his fruit loaf, a second for his sourdough rye and a thirrd for his country grain loaf for the Umina-based Bakers Delight franchise in his first attempt at a bread show.

He has since also won a second prize at the Newcastle Baking Show, another big competition, for his spinach and fetta twisted delight.

"Sharpie" as he is generally known was born and bred in Umina and went to high school in Woy Woy before completing an apprenticeship at Michel's Patisseries' head bakery in Sydney.

He is president of Umina Cricket Club and also a local soccer player.

"The Castle Hill Show is second only to the Sydney Royal Easter Show in size and had over 400 bakery exhibits," Paul said.

The Bakers delight franchise opened for business in West St, Umina, in January with first-time franchisees Rosemarie and Joseph Mondal.

"We watched in fascination as Paul came in one evening on his own time to bake a range of products for the show," Rosemarie said.

"We were delighted with the results and are looking forward to competing in the highly competitive Bakers Delight franchisees' baking competition in June," she said.

The Mondals moved to Umina with their two daughters late last year having selected the area for its great potential.

"We wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city," said Joseph, a sous chef by trade.

"However, it looks like it will be just as busy here in a few years", he said.

Bakers Delight differ from other bakeries and cake shops in that they only sell breads and bread products all of which are baked on the premises without the use of any pre-mixes.

All unsold bread at the end of each day is given to the Salvation Army.

They have introduced a number of new products, many of which have been surprisingly popular.

These include spinach and fetta and garlic and cheese breads.

A panne di casa (bread of the house) is also gaining popularity.

Their latest new product is children's party packs made fresh to suit the size of any party and including both sweet and savoury mini breads and buns.

Cec Bucello, May 13