This fruitcake is a winner

By Samantha Elley

Being part of the agricultural show circuit is in Kelly Knight’s blood.

The Tatham resident recently took out first place for Best Rich Fruitcake in the Far North Coast final for agricultural shows in Group One, so now she is off to Sydney.

“I am the third generation of our family to be in the show,” said Kelly.

“I show in the veggie section, cooking, craft and flowers.

“I also show stud cattle and show steers.”

The recent win has been a journey for Kelly who, in past years has made it to zone group one final with her fruit cake but this is the first year she has made it to first place.

“That means I represent our Casino Show Society and will make another cake to enter zone in the (Royal Easter) Show in Sydney next year,” she said.

“I’ve been trying a few different techniques off the judges who have previously judged, as well as the CWA ladies.”

Kelly said some tips that have worked for her include having the oven down low and cooking the cake slower, which brings out the colour.

“There has to be a certain height, the same tin size and there are also textures and flavours, if the fruit is evenly distributed and if they’ve been cut a certain way,” she said.

“There’s a few things that factor into it.”

Despite her nervousness, Kelly was excited to be part of the competition and was thrilled to realise her achievement.

“I love to compete and was very happy when

(the cake) was judged,” she said.

“I was in tears when I won and rang my mum who was shopping in Lismore, and she started crying too when I told her.”

And for those wondering what happens to the winning cake.

“We are allowed to bring the cake home,” said Kelly.

“Everyone has been taste testing it.”

Next year, instead of taking down cattle to Sydney, Kelly will be armed with her latest fruitcake creation in the hope of bringing gold back to the Northern Rivers.