The Melton BIG BAKE at this year's Country Fair was hailed as a great success! Not only were there 88 entries in total with winners in most classes but a grand selection of breads, live bread demonstrations, baking equipment, DIY calzone making and the most amazing smell of freshly baking bread throughout the day. Thank you to everyone involved. Results here or see Ellie's winning recipe for "White Chocolate and Raspberry Muffins"

Both the overall winners were presented with a hand turned breadboards crafted by Martin Pidgen and engraved by Bob Neill along with a collectable Melton BIG BAKE baker's hat presented by Laurent.Valbret president of the London and South Eastern Regions (LASER) of the association of Master Bakers.

Judges included Nick Hamilton from Barnsdale Gardens with Stephen Hallam from Dickinson and Morris , Ady Dayman from Radio Leicester with Guy Coombs from Budgens in Mountsorrel and Andy Forbes founder of the Brockwell Bake with Danny Jimminson from the Hammer and Pincers in Wymeswold.

Throughout the day there were bakery demonstrations by talented young baker Vincent Talleu who showed visitors how to make true French baguettes. You can see some of Vincent's work at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6mr2udQaXw&NR=1

Finally Leicestershire Food Links have to thank one person in particular who helped to bring it all together and baked and shaped and pickled all day - Paul Jones of Paul's Organic who enthusiasm and creativity never cease to amaze. Have a look at Paul's new pickle video http://www.soyfoods.co.uk/slideshow.htm#pickles-slideshow