Apple Cake tastes success in quest for the Dish of Dorset

It's official - Dorset Apple Cake is to be the county's culinary ambassador to the nation..

The traditional Dorset dessert has been selected as the National Dish of Dorset, putting it in the premier league of regional food alongside the likes of Lancashire hotpot, Yorkshire pudding, Cornish pastie and Cumberland sausage.

The decision was made at a cook off organised by Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse. A panel of judges including The Publican's​ pub food editor John Porter tasted seven dishes selected from entries submitted by professional and amateur chefs from across the county.

Apple Cake topped a poll of consumer asked to name the dish they most associate with Dorset. The judges confirmed the people's choice, selecting a recipe including raisins, sultanas and lemon juice, submitted by Greg Coomer.

Greg said: "There are many variations of this cake in recipe book. This version is my favourite, because the lemon juice keeps it moist and light. I'm delighted to have won."

The judges also highly commended Dorset Golden Ham, a home cured gammon glazed with Dorset honey and Badger ale, submitted by Daniel Green from Wareham. Among the other contenders were local wild boar sausages and Dorset blue vinnie cheese mash, pepared by the True Lovers Knot pub in Hall & Woodhouse's home town, Blandford.

The winning dishes will be featured on a series of Badger Brewery recipe cards.