AN exciting new challenge has been launched to put creative bakers and culinary enthusiasts to the test.

The search is on to find a recipe for a unique Knutsford sweet treat.

The idea is to serve the tasty new creation in the town’s cafes, coffee shops and restaurants.

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Hattie Cufflin, owner of Hot Cocoa on King Street, has teamed up with Hannah Lock, of Scene in Knutsford, a website that promotes the town, to run the competition.

The pair are calling on locals to suggest ingredients or design a recipe that becomes synonymous with the town.

Hannah was inspired to put Knutsford on the map after discovering the famous Nanaimo Bar on a trip to the Canadian city of Nanaimo in British Columbia.

This bar consists of three layers, a wafer, nut and coconut crumb base with custard icing in the middle and a layer of chocolate ganache on top.

It has now become so popular that it now has its own bar trail, encouraging visitors to explore the town while sampling various interpretations of the original recipe.

The Nanaimo Bar has also inspired a range of other local creations, including cocktails, milkshakes, fudges, soap, massage oils and even a spring roll!

Hannah said: “I loved the Nanaimo Bar’s concept, especially when I saw the benefit it brought to the local community and businesses.

“I thought, why not recreate the experience right here in Knutsford?”

Hattie, a talented chocolatier and pastry chef, has embraced the idea.

Hattie said: “The chosen Knutsford creation doesn’t have to be a bar.

“It could be a cake, biscuit, tart, layered dessert or something completely unexpected.

“Even if you don’t have a full recipe, you can still contribute by suggesting ideas for flavour combinations.

"Should it include nuts for Knutsford?"

Recipes could incorporate ingredients with a local link, such as Bax Bees honey or something from the town’s history.

Billingtons, creators of the gingerbread recipe synonymous with Market Drayton once had a shop in what is now Detaljer’s coffee shop.

Humbug Cottage on Leycester Road gained its name thanks to the sweets made by the lady who once lived there.

Entrants are also urged to consider other things such as a long shelf life to reduce food waste.

There are no rules, just a few guidelines.

The recipe should be simple and easy to follow.

Easily sourced, non-seasonal ingredients will help keep costs down.

The three best recipes and ideas will then be shortlisted. 

Pastry chef Hattie will make them and people can then taste each one at Hot Cocoa and vote for their favourite.

The public will then be invited to suggest a name for the winning treat.

To take part, pop into Hot Cocoa on King Street for an entry form or download one at the Scene in Knutsford website.

It is hoped that different elements of the recipe could then be developed by local businesses, such as an ice cream flavour or cocktail.

Hannah said: “We’ve had such a great response already. People love the idea.

“We want to get the community involved and support all our local businesses.

“It’s a bit of fun.

“Knutsford is a great place. We hope this will encourage more people to come and visit our town.”

Closing date is Friday, September 29.