Ellie is Leader’s Great Ulster Bake-off winner

Rachelle ‘rose’ to champion with a recipe for a frosted Christmas Red Velvet Layer Cake, which proved to be a favourite with the readers who crowned her creation the ‘People’s Choice’ winner. Anna McClean from Ballymena received the accolade of ‘Chef’s Choice’ by guest judge Paula McIntyre for her Chocolate and Beetroot Cake. Each will receive £100 of Lakeland vouchers. Ellie Peake (10) from Loughbrickland, was named Banbridge and Dromore Leader’s regional winner and her ‘Santa’s Midnight Treats’ was narrowly beaten in the final. She received her regional winner’s prize from Angeline Sloan of firmus energy. Angeline said: “We just loved all the great recipes that were entered into the competition. It is clear that we have many aspiring, talented bakers across the province and I was especially impressed with our young cooks that took part. “We had family recipes that had been handed down through generations submitted as well as people’s own creations and it was so hard to call who would be voted winner. “The winning recipes had the perfect balance of creativity and taste and we would like to thank everyone who entered the competition. “Natural gas fuels more than 66,000 homes across Northern Ireland and is the fuel of choice for many bakers, professional and amateur, as it provides controllable cooking at a low cost. “We have seen just how many local bakers are cooking up a storm in the kitchen and are passionate about creating something mouth-watering for their family and friends. “Sweet and savoury baking aromas are inviting in homes and getting children involved in baking is a great activity for all the family – nearly as much as enjoying the result.” Residents in the area who wish to find out more about connecting to natural gas should visit “http://www.firmusenergy.co.uk” www.firmusenergy.co.uk or contact 08456 08 00 88.