HAVING entered the cookery competition at the Perth Royal Show since 1979, Noreen Jamieson has plenty of wins under her apron strings.
While she has tried her hand at honey cakes, lemon butter and fruit mince pies, the veteran competitor has had particular success with meringues and cream puffs.
Last year her cream puffs scored a second and her meringues came third.
In recent years Noreen’s son Lindsay has also taken the cake, so to speak.
Back in 2011 his meringues came first and Noreen’s second, but since then Noreen has pipped him at the post.
“People thought we were rivals, but it was just something we did for fun,” Noreen, 87, said.
“We exchanged tips, compared notes and then went off and did our own thing.”
Lindsay has recently been transferred interstate for work and Noreen will miss having him as a fellow competitor.
This year meringues aren’t on the competition menu so she will be concentrating on cream puffs and lemon butter.
Noreen says the secret to a good cream puff is fresh ingredients and lots of practice.
“I make a few batches in the lead-up, but in the end it’s down to pot luck,” she said.
“My granddaughter will help me deliver my entries to the Cookery Pavilion just before the show.
“It is getting more difficult for me these days so this might be my final year of entering.
“But I love the show; it’s in my blood.”
Presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, the annual celebration bringing the country to the city kicks off at Claremont Showground on September 23 and runs until September 30.
The products of the state’s best makers of jams, chutneys, cakes, puddings, muffins, scones, biscuits and chocolates will be on display in the Cookery Pavilion throughout the eight-day event.
September 29 is half-price Seniors Day.