Guilt-free overindulgence at big Ballito Bake-off
Cake feast raises funds for charity organisation feeding more than 300 vulnerable children.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-off-4-780x470.jpg)
Visitors to Ashton International College on Saturday had the luxury of guilt-free sweet treat overindulgence and caffeine overloading.
A handy excuse would have been that they were simply sacrificing dietary restrictions in support of a good cause, quietly avoiding confessions that the many temptation tables broke down all resistance anyway.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-off-8-520x347.jpg)
Ballito’s first Bake-Off Cake Sale held at the college was a fundraiser for The Smile With Us non-profit organisation working towards renovating its facility.
The centre provides food for more than 300 children but when it rains food supplies become wet and spoiled.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-Off-1-520x347.jpg)
“The children are happy to stand in long lines even when it’s raining because that is their only source of nutrition for the day, but it would be helpful to have a proper structure to avoid this,” said Smile With Us co-founder, Helen Potgieter.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-off-5-520x347.jpg)
She expressed her gratitude to event organisers Amy-Lea Louis of Amy Stranack Physiotherapy and Vanessa Andreou, a consumer studies teacher at Ashton College, who joined forces to make the day a success.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-Off-6-520x347.jpg)
Putting a competitive spin to the activities, the baked goods on sale were judged by a distinguished panel, including owner of Food Matters Jacqui Rey, owner of Yolis Bakery Nicky Cooper, Coffee Lab Lifestyle owner Sbu Nkolothi, The Capital Zimbali executive chef Tristan Latouf, cookbook author and baker Louisa Stranack, and event organiser Amy-Lea Louis.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-off-3-520x347.jpg)
Once judged, the winners won prizes sponsored by Hirsch’s, Mangwanani Spa, La Fiamma Grill, Sage Nail Bar, Scoop and Concha.
In the Grade 7-12 category, Tavaria Rajoo won the award for Best Appearance and Most Creative cake. The cake that brought the biggest smiles from the judges was created by Ansie Engelbrecht, while Asia Barnard took home the prize for Best Tasting cake.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-off-11-520x390.jpeg)
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2024/09/Bake-off-10-520x390.jpeg)
In the adult category, Nicky Douglas won the Best Appearance and Creativity prize, while Wendy Oelofse earned the award for Best Tasting cake. People interested in supporting the cause can contact Amy-Lea at ballitobakeoff@gmail.com or Mervin at 074 961 7061.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.