CWA’s Land Cookery competition celebrates 75 years

LAND Cookery, a Country Women’s Association competition, is celebrating its 75th year.

Ahead of the CWA state conference in Forster in May, the Wauchope branch hosted the Mid North Coast Group’s Land Cookery and Friendship Day at Wauchope RSL Club on Thursday 19 February.

It was attended by 52 members from 11 branches, spanning Gloucester in the south to Nambucca Valley in the north.

Land Cookery Officer Lexie Burton and her team of helpers, were kept busy with 111 entries needing to be organised for judging.

The competition is run by the Land Cookery Committee of the CWA with judging progressing from branch to group and then to state level.

Ellice Schrader, former State Chair of Land Cookery, was the official judge in the Wauchope group stage.

Particular mention was made of the flavour of the coffee sponges.

Ms Schrader said that they were better than any she had tasted in recent competition

The Coconut Loaf and the Chocolate Cake were the most popular entries.

“It will be really interesting to see what wins at state level in the Surprise Cake section because we’ve allowed competitors to use different shapes, flavours and colours,” said Ms Schrader.

“The Coconut Loaf looks deceptively simple but it needs to be left in the oven for another 10 minutes when you think it is cooked.”

The competition includes everyone from the competent cook to the less experienced.

Members were keen to hear tips about relishes and pickles.

“They need to be made months ahead to get that smooth flavour.”

The state conference will feature the regular fruit, chocolate and butter cakes as well as recipes celebrating its 75 years.

Set and suggested recipes will be included, along with the favourite recipes of committee members.

More information about the Land Cookery schedule and recipes is available online at: cwaofnsw.org.au/Web/Web/Committees/The-Land-Cookery.

By Pauline CAIN