The search is on for a biscuit the Ding can call its own.
A new bake-off contest has been launched by the Pride of Reading Awards and it’s one that all Biscuitmen will be proud to enter.
Sponsored by Jacobs the Jewellers, the Pride of Reading Awards’ contest is open to everyone, whether they are a dunker or a nibbler.
And if your biscuit is worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake you could win a place at the awards lunch – and bring a guest.
The awards organisers want you to join them, and biscuit competition sponsor Jacobs the Jewellers as they start a celebration year, championing numerous anniversaries.
Jacobs the Jewellers kick off their 75th anniversary celebrations for 2023, the awards are 18, it is PORA’s 10th year at the football stadium, and the 200th anniversary of Huntley & Palmer’s, the town’s legendary biscuit bakers.
It’s also the year the Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, as people now celebrate the life of the late monarch.
Entrants are asked to use their imaginations to devise a celebratory biscuit recipe that honours something interesting about Reading’s history or heritage.
And it can be fun.
The shortlisted competitors will be asked to make a batch of their biscuits for a tasting by the judges.
Adam Jacobs, of Jacobs the Jewellers, said: “Reading was dubbed Biscuit Town as Huntley & Palmers became a global phenomenon distributing their wares worldwide.
“It will be great to see what the town’s bakers come up with to design a Reading Biscuit as we salute so many anniversaries this year at Pride of Reading, including our family company’s 75th year serving the town.”
One of the judges is Simon Share, executive chef at Reading FC Conference Centre.
He said: “We know we’re a nation of bakers so this is going to be great fun.
I’m looking forward to tasting some original biscuits.”
For an entry form and more information about the Reading Biscuit Competition, email: porawards@yahoo.com
ABOUT JACOBS THE JEWELLERS
THIS YEAR’S Pride of Reading theme is celebration, and a reason to party is the 200th anniversary of one of the town’s famous Bs – biscuits.
Back in 1822, Huntley & Palmers first started selling the tasty snack initially from its bakery in London Street. Taking advantage of the coming of the railway, the firm’s reach soon became global, with its decorative tins ensuring ‘Made in Reading’ was seen on kitchen tables across the world.
A special contest is being launched by Pride of Reading to mark this milestone, and it is sponsored by another key name in the town: Jacobs The Jewellers.
The search is on to create a new biscuit to rival the 400 varieties made from its Newtown base, including Opera Wafers. the Butter Finger, the Bath Oliver and Iced Gems.
