In a sizzling culinary showdown, Banbridge woman Laura Rooney has clinched the prestigious title of Hafner’s Mastercook 2024!
This year, Hafner’s stirred up excitement by launching a cookery contest to unearth talented amateur chefs who craft innovative recipes starring the beloved sausage.
Laura, alongside Belfast’s Gerry McDonald, emerged as the standout finalists, engaging in a thrilling ‘banger battle’ at Belfast Cookery School. Ultimately, Laura triumphed as Hafner’s Mastercook 2024, seizing the crown and a tempting £500 cash prize.
Speaking of the triumph The Banbridge woman said: “My friends, family and followers of my Snapchat ‘Littlemagicball’, know that I am a huge fan of Hafner’s Sausages, so the pressure was on before I started cooking. “At home, we only use Hafner’s Sausages, I absolutely love them. You can have them at breakfast, for lunch, dinner and a snack – they’re a humble food but very versatile.
“The dish I made was, ‘Honey and garlic Thai pork cakes with chilli vermicelli noodles’ and the judges just loved them.
“I put a lot of thought into the dish and to see Ian, Ciaran and Carolyn tuck into a plate of food that I prepared was so satisfying.
“Together with my partner, Thomas O’Neill, we are opening a new hot chocolate café in Banbridge, The Little Magic Ball Company, so I’ll use the £500 winner’s prize to help with that.”
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The Little Magic Ball Company will make its grand entrance into Banbridge in two weeks time. This enchanting establishment is aimed at being a haven where hot chocolate dreams come to life in every imaginable form and flavour, promising a delightful experience for all cocoa enthusiasts.
Speaking to UrbanABC ahead of the opening Laura said; “Banbridge is a thriving town centre and I am very passionate about business in the town, that’s why we thought Bridge Street would be the perfect location.
“Banbridge is buzzing and you know when you can’t get a parking space that the town is busy. We are really excited about opening and can’t wait to welcome people into the store”.
Prepare to be transported to a realm where hot chocolate is not just a beverage but a magical journey of taste and indulgence. Whether you fancy classic velvety hot chocolate, decadent variations with a splash of caramel or a hint of peppermint, or even exotic blends with a touch of spice, this charming spot caters to every hot chocolate fantasy imaginable.
With a commitment to crafting the finest hot chocolate creations, The Little Magic Ball Company in Banbridge is set to redefine the art of hot chocolate enjoyment. From rich and creamy traditional concoctions to innovative and whimsical blends, each sip promises to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and pure delight, making it a must-visit destination for all hot chocolate aficionados in Banbridge and beyond.
Back in February there was exciting news for Laura and “The Little Magic Ball Company” as they unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with local bakery powerhouse, Rosie’s Bakes. Renowned as one of Ireland’s premier bakeries, with an extensive presence in over 500 stores, Rosie’s Bakes will now serve as the primary distributor of these delightful hot chocolate balls, amplifying their reach and accessibility.
Laura’s unwavering commitment to sourcing ingredients exclusively from Irish companies underscores her passion for supporting local businesses. Inspired by the success of similar creations in the US during the Covid lockdown, Laura recognised the potential demand for these delectable treats in the local market. Following swift approval from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), her products swiftly graced the shelves, debuting at the esteemed Lick Gelato in Newcastle shortly after her initial Instagram post, marking a remarkable journey of innovation and success for The Little Magic Ball Company.