Jam tomorrow! Black forest gateau-nut wins Jewish News’ doughnut competition

A new black forest gateau-nut is hitting the shelves of Carmelli’s bakery after a winning design from the Jewish News’ Design a Doughnut competition.

Out of the more than 300 entries received, Heather Marchant and Michelle Watson have been crowned joint winners of the doughnut competition, following a public vote, in partnership with the United Synagogue and Carmelli Bakery.

Their design of a black forest gateau-nut has been turned into a real doughnut, which will be sold in the bakery over Chanukah. The winners, who were able to taste their doughnut on Monday, will also receive a big box of doughnuts from the bakery.

Winner Heather Marchant said: “We went to see our creation today and it not only looked beautiful, it tasted amazing! The doughnut was topped with a thick layer of chocolate, a swirl of fresh cream, a sprinkling of chocolate shavings, and a cherry on top.

“It was such a surprise to win the competition, particularly as there were so many other entries. I think my husband would have rather voted for the whisky doughnut [designed by Simon Wittenberg], but he didn’t dare!”

Fellow winner Michelle Watson added: “The doughnut definitely lived up to my expectations. It had a lot more chocolate than I expected and was delicious, as well as looking very impressive.

“I was quite surprised to win, although I must admit I was quite pleased to have beaten the marmite finalist [designed by Daniel Elias]!”

Richard Verber, communications director at the United Synagogue, said: “Mazal tov to Heather and Michelle on winning our Design a Doughnut competition in partnership with the Jewish News and Carmelli’s.

“The Black Forest Gateau doughnuts are absolutely delicious and are well worth a trip to the bakery before they sell out. We were thrilled at the response to the competition – thank you to everyone who came up with an idea and to everyone who voted – we’ll have to do this again!”