Mary Berry Is Coming To Ireland Soon But For The Weirdest Reason

Darragh Berry

When you think Mary Berry, you think of The Great British Bake Off and television bakery queen.

One thing you would never associate her with his farming whether it be cattle or sheep.

That’s why, when we heard she was coming to the National Ploughing Championship this year, we were a bit taken aback.

The National Dairy Council has announced that Queen of Cakes, Mary Berry will be the Star Guest at the NDC stand at the Championships which are being held in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 18th – 20th September 2018.

To celebrate Mary’s attendance at the Ploughing, they are launching a really exciting competition. They are inviting people to create something unique and delicious that can be served at Afternoon Tea at Ploughing with Mary.

It can be sweet or savoury but must contain dairy produce in some form. The three best recipes will be selected and the finalists will present their delicacy for tasting by Mary and guests and enjoy afternoon tea at the NDC Stand at the Ploughing Championships.

What a time to be alive.

Practical as always Mary advises anyone entering to “practice the recipe”. “It must be the very best of Irish dairy produce and the best of its type, whether that’s a quiche, tart or cake – they don’t want to see curdled custard or separated filling, the pastry must be beautifully done, it has to have great flavor and beautifully presented.

And as Mary would say herself: “No soggy bottoms”

Food Writer and judge of the Great Irish Bake-Off Lilly Higgins says:

“I am delighted to be involved with this competition and to meet the baking legend that is Mary Berry. My experience of being a judge on the Great Irish Bake Off will certainly help in picking the best entries for the Afternoon Tea at Ploughing.

“I am huge fan of baking myself and really look forward to seeing the variety of recipes that will be sent in. My advice would be to keep it simple and execute it well, whether it’s a cake, tart, quiche or even a sandwich, get the basics right and it will be delicious!”.

Each finalist will receive a €300 voucher for Ballymaloe Cookery School and an Afternoon Tea Hamper filled with Goodies, free entry into Ploughing and the chance to have Afternoon Tea with Mary Berry.

If that sounds interesting to you, you can find more information about the competition here.