Judges pick winning truffle

Vancouver – It couldn’t be that hard being on a panel of judges asked to sample truffles.

It would be hard to pick one as the winner.

But the judges did just that in Mississauga, Ont. at the 2011 Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show.

Truffles from Purdy's Chocolates infused with Grand Marnier, Brandy, ice Wine, Kahlua and other spirits.

The judges selected Gary Mitchell, head chocolatier at Purdy’s Chocolates, and his Savory Brie Cheese and Fig Truffle as the Best Truffle in the Professional Baking Competition.

The judges included Buddy the Cake Boss Valastro, Erin Bolger the Happy Baker and renowned cake decorator, Geraldine Randlesome.

Mitchell’s winning truffle is crafted with triple Cream Brie Cheese, fresh basil and lemon zest and topped with fig. It is then hand dipped in a blend of three different dark chocolates and adorned with a cocoa butter transfer.

There are no current plans for Purdy’s Chocolates to introduce the winning truffle piece in stores.

“This is only one out of more than 100 new chocolate pieces I create every year,” says Gary. “I can’t wait to start experimenting plenty more and get ready for next year’s competition.”