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IMBIL QCWA SWEEPS THE FIELD IN MARTIN DUNCAN’S SCONE OFF CHALLENGE
artin (front cover in the checked apron) is a renowned Sunshine Coast foodie who came up with the concept of Sconetime, a networking idea that connects isolated older people with their community through monthly afternoon teas. He also raises awareness and funds for the Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled through Scone Off competitions. The latest Scone Off was held on Sunday 20 June, at Yandina. Foodies in cafes and boutique accommodation, and QCWA ladies from across Country Noosa, Mary Valley Country and Glasshouse Country, vied for the title of best scones across five categories: Classic, Savoury, Fruit, Rogue, and Gluten Free. When the ladies of Imbil QCWA were invited to compete, it wasn’t just veteran scone-makers like Lorna Cook who took on the challenge. Two unlikely contenders also stepped forward: Jennifer Miller and Helen Hooper. “I had not made scones for well over 25 years,” admits Jennifer. “I said to myself - really, how hard could it be? So I decided to enter Pink Champagne scones in the Rogue category; it was my husband who made the suggestion that I add pink food colouring to them.” “Denise Carlson, our Branch President, called for volunteers and I said yes,” explains Helen. “Then the reality of my foolishness set in. Yikes! All my previous attempts at scones had produced rock cakes!” But Helen is a determined woman, and, after Googling recipes, she practiced for the whole week. “Monday night: recipe number one. I followed the instructions to the letter. The result? Perfect rock cakes! Tuesday night: recipe number two. After diligently following the instructions, out of the oven emerged perfect missiles.” By Wednesday, Helen knew it was time to ask for help from fellow QCWA member and renowned cook, Marina Taylor. “Marina gave me really good advice as well as her fail-safe recipe. The rest of the day was spent Googling butter temperature, how to cut out the rounds, and more. Thursday night: back in the kitchen. I was almost too scared to open the oven, but when I did, I let out a squeal of delight. There, in the cake tin, were 12 gorgeous looking scones. Reverently I broke one open and, oh, I started salivating. My husband wasn’t quite so reverent – he promptly stuffed one of the still-hot scones into his mouth. Friday night: this time we had the jam and cream ready as my beautiful, moist fruit scones emerged. I was so relieved that I wasn’t going to be a disgrace to the team.”
The Mary Valley Voice
Pictured back row, from left: Lorna Cook (Best Savoury Scone), Rae Smith, Helen Hooper (Best Fruit Scone). Front, from left: Fran Shearer and Jennifer Miller (Best Rogue Scone). With 25 contestants in the Scone Off, competition was fierce. At the end of the afternoon tea, the winners were announced. Josh, from the Click Clack Café in Amamoor, won the Classic Scone category, and Glasshouse Mountains CWA won the Gluten Free. The Imbil QCWA ladies, decked out in their signature red hats, were focusing on just enjoying the afternoon, and had no expectations at all of winning. So they were thrilled when Lorna was declared to be the winner of the best Savoury Scone. “Then they announced the Rogue Scone winner… OMG, it was me!” laughs Jennifer. “It was so funny.” And the winner of the Fruit Scone category? Yes, it was Helen Hooper, former rock-cake queen: “To say I was shocked by the announcement is a massive understatement – flies could have gathered in my open mouth.” Congratulations to Josh, Lorna, Jennifer and Helen on their welldeserved win and for flying the flag high for Mary Valley Country. • Imbil QCWA meet the first Thursday of each month at the Imbil Showgrounds Hall, and the Craft Group meets every second and fourth Thursday – new members are welcome to join us. QCWA Imbil is also pleased to announce a new community event to be held on Saturday, 27 November 2021:The Imbil Christmas Tree Festival and Twilight Markets. For more details, please contact Denise Carlson on 0427 821 180, or Jennifer Miller at hotduckindiva@gmail.com All photos and cover story, kindly submitted by Lisa Holliday.
Mark the Date!
Saturday 27 November 14 JULY 2021 |
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