Lesley Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I entered classes in the local beekeepers Honey Show last night. We only had a small amount of honey left from the little we took from last year's bees but I just managed to fill the required 2 x 1lb jars. I knew it wasn't a good sample and knew what faults it had but entering them was a good way of finding out what the judges look for. It had started to naturally crystallise so it was slightly hazy - not good in a Clear Honey class The classes required 2 of clear or 2 of set - I could have done one of each I had to gently heat the crystallised one and then filter it through a very fine cloth.......that takes 2 days.....for 1lb The judging was public - very nerve wracking but also very enlightening. The judge was available to answer questions as well. He showed us how they checked the jars of honey, why some are rejected immediately, discussed aroma and viscosity, lit the candles, tasted all the cakes, judged the photos and items of interest and then last of all..........tested the Mead I entered six classes - and had a place in all six Six fancy cakes using honey - First Two jars of clear honey (novice) - Third Honey cake to supplied recipe - Third Honey cake to any recipe - Third Item of general beekeeping interest - Third Three photos of beekeeping interest - Third I'm really going to have to try harder next year.................... Those of you who know me, know that orange is just not my colour ( ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Lesley, I will expect to see tehm up in your kitchen! Congratulations! I think you have made a great start! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackiepoppies Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Well done Lesley, That's an exceelent achievement, far more than I could do Feel very proud of yourself, how you all manage to do so much I'll never know Jackiex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 6 prizes for your first attempt is fantastic! Well done. Shame I didn't come over after you made those little cakes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 11, 2008 Author Share Posted October 11, 2008 Shame I didn't come over after you made those little cakes I had some of the practise ones in a container - I forgot they were there I've just sent food parcels to my grown up children. They were White Chocolate and ginger Honeybuns - the other cake with the cream cheese topping was a Honey and Orange Carrot Cake. The third cake - to the Association recipe is like a brick Everyone complains about the recipe but it never changes. As it has sultanas in it I haven't tried it..... but Carl seems to like it (probably not the best person to have taste tested your Christmas Cake Christian? ) The cakes weren't as 'well done' as they look -that's just my photos........or it could be because I have the brightness changed to dark on my PC - anyway....they weren't burnt Annie - if you ever see those on my wall..... - perhaps the outside toilet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Congratulations Lesley! Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Congratulations . How does one become a honey judge, I wonder . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Well done Lesley that is a fantastic achievement for a first attempt............You are right you will have to try harder next year the first prize certificate is a much nicer colour.................. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Congratulations . How does one become a honey judge, I wonder . you took the words right out of my mouth! well done lesley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missuscluck Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Well done Lesley. Good work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..lay a little egg for me Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Well done! Those fancy cakes look nice...could you post the recipe please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Oh, well done Lesley, what an achievement Those little cakes sound delish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 14, 2008 Author Share Posted October 14, 2008 Thank you! - it was great fun I will post the recipe for the cakes - they are White Chocolate and Ginger Honeybuns! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Thank you! - it was great fun I will post the recipe for the cakes - they are White Chocolate and Ginger Honeybuns! Oh, yes please. I love ginger cakes of any description, but the combination of white chocolate & ginger sounds irresistable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...