Not Maggie this time!! Bethanie, a Western Australia’s not-for-profit aged care and retirement living provider, held its annual Big Bethanie Bake Off. Continuing the aim of closing the intergenerational gap between their seniors and juniors, the competition saw four finalists from the senior and junior categories cook their favourite family recipe, accompanied by a story reflecting their family’s life, culture and history. The Grand Finale was held live from Burswood Park on Wednesday 14th November at the Seniors Recreational Council of WA’s Have a Go Day, a LiveLighter event.
The event was hosted by West Australian Foodie and Media Personality, Verity James and was accompanied by a panel of judges including Patrick O’Brien, Executive Director Hospitality and Trades West Coast Institute, Food Columnist Margaret Johnson and Chris How, Bethanie CEO.
Bethanie CEO Chris How comments, “We have been running this event for five years now and I’m never disappointed sitting on the judging panel. It’s wonderful to hear the stories of where each recipe came from and to feel the excitement from the contestants as they get their chance to shine on stage.”
Big Bethanie Bake Off Champion Isabell joined the Living Well Centre in Kwinana early this year. Isabell loves to keep busy and cooking is something that she really enjoys. She surprised staff with a jar of her home-made Cauliflower Mustard Pickles earlier this year and it was a big hit. Isabell has made her pickles for everyone in her family since first coming across the recipe in the early 70’s. It has become a family favourite and she is always asked, “when are you making another batch of your pickles – mine is almost out!?”