Home News Business News

Cake loving mum from Connah’s Quay takes tips from TV chef Gino D’Acampo

A DEESIDE mum who is crazy about cake, has taken cooking tips from TV chef Gino D’Acampo.

Michelle Thomas2 of Connah’s Quay, cooked up a storm at Castell Deudraeth Bar & Grill in Portmeirion, as part of new programme There’s No Taste Like Home, which is hosted by the popular Italian chef.

Michelle and two other cooks had the chance to re-create a family recipe in a professional kitchen for paying diners.

But she is remaining tight-lipped about the result.

She told the Chronicle: “I can’t tell you who won, all will be revealed when the programme is broadcast in August or September.

“But I can tell you that it was a wonderful day and Gino was fantastic. He was very friendly and down to earth,” said Michelle, who cooked a dish which she says was inspired by her time living in Kenya.

The winning dish, judged by Gino, will have the honour of staying on the restaurant’s menu for an entire month from the date the show airs.

It has been a busy year for Michelle, 31, who set up her own cupcake business Treat Petite last August.

She said: “It’s going from strength to strength and I am really loving everything about it.

“I always wanted to work for myself and when I had my baby it was the perfect opportunity to start up on my own and do something that would fit in around family life.”

As well as bringing cupcakes to Flintshire, Michelle has introduced a range of cakepops – decorative cakes on sticks.

“I had seen that they were popular in London and I think I was one of the first people to start making them in the area.”

A self-confessed food champion, Michelle is keen to promote the use of local ingredients. “It is important to recognise the value of local produce,” she said. “We don’t celebrate our local food enough.”

For further information about Michelle’s business Treat Petite, log on to her website www.treatpetite.co.uk.

Share