Manchester City FC searches for Eastlands cake

As the countdown continues to find a new east Manchester inspired tea time treat, John Benson-Smith, consultant executive chef at the City of Manchester Stadium, visited 'Zest - Ancoats Cooking Club' at Trinity Church, Ancoats, for a culinary masterclass. The cooking group, which meets weekly to cook and eat together, is part of the Manchester City Council and NHS Manchester Zest Project - the North and East Manchester healthy living scheme which works with local communities and organisations to improve health and well being. Benson-Smith, said: "So far, over 200 people have put forward their recipe suggestions. I am eager to unearth a good deal more and I hope that my visit might inspire the community to get their pinnies on, and enter their prized recipes, which should reflect the sparkling culture, rich heritage and lively personality of East Manchester. So whether it's a recipe handed down through generations, a cake that uses locally sourced ingredients or simply a cake with a difference, we want to hear about it." The new Eastlands cake will be served up as a bite sized treat across all key fixtures, on or off match days, from January 2010. David Chell, head of sales at City, added: "With under a month until closing date, we're urging everyone to get their entries in to stand a chance of winning. The final countdown really has begun, so enter your recipes now before time is up." The deadline for entries is October 25, 2009, when John and his team of judges will sort through entries to find the winning recipe. To receive your Eastlands cake application form, contact Emma Hulme at the City of Manchester Stadium on: 0161 438 7641 or email: emma.hulme@mcfc.co.uk