LOVERS of cake are gathering at Windermere’s Cedar Manor Hotel for a Valentine’s bake-off competition next week. 

And there are still a few places left for bakers with a recipe for romance.

The contest is organised by Windermere and Bowness Fairtrade Group, and amateur bakers are invited to submit their “signature bake” which must be a single tier cake with a Valentine’s theme.

Some 15 entries have been registered but organiser Caroline Kaye said that there was still time to enter the contest.

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The event, on Wednesday, will also feature baking demonstrations by Michael Vango, the pastry and sous chef at Cedar Manor’s restaurant. Michael, along with the hotel’s owners Jonathan and Caroline Kaye, will judge the entries. 

Cakes entered must be made using Fairtrade sugar (widely available in shops locally or from Traidcraft online (www.traidcraftshop.co.uk). They will be judged on texture, flavour, appearance and decoration.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded and a “Special Fairtrade Merit Prize” will also be given. 

“This will allow people to be creative as far as range of Fairtrade products used together with any lesser known ones they are able to source,” said Theresa Wooll, who is co-ordinating the contest for the Fairtrade group with the Cedar Manor.

Competitors must register in advance to book a place in the contest by calling the hotel on 015394 43192. Cakes must then be delivered to the Cedar Manor Hotel, Ambleside Road, Windermere, on Wednesday between 11-11.30 am, on a suitably stiffened board or plate. 

The winners will be announced at around 2.45pm and all cakes must be collected by 3.30 pm.

The entry fee of £5 will include unlimited tea/coffee and a piece of cake at the event. Spectators tickets have all been sold.

Cedar Manor co-owner Caroline Kaye said: “We are thrilled to host this competition because we love cake, and it’s such a good cause. Our restaurant uses Fairtrade products, and we are looking forward to some brilliant entries.”