The ‘Queen of Chocolate’ will grace this year’s Taste Bundaberg Festival as Kirsten Tibballs dishes up delicious desserts in unique masterclasses and cooking demonstrations.
The exciting 10-day program features appearances from Kirsten who is one of Australia’s most celebrated and internationally-respected pastry chefs and chocolatiers, including live cooking demonstrations at the Taste Farmers Market.
As the sole ambassador in Australia for leading chocolate manufacturer Callebaut she regularly travels throughout the world demonstrating her craft in chocolate and patisserie.
Her skill is widely known, with Kirsten having represented Australia at the World Pastry Team Championships in Las Vegas, USA, where she was recognised as the best in the world for her handmade chocolates.
She has also won a gold and bronze medal for her patisserie and chocolate artistry in the Pastry Olympics in Germany.
Kirsten said she loved everything about working with chocolate.
“Chocolate is not only versatile to work with but delicious to eat!” she said.
“There are not many products that will heighten the senses like chocolate, it is why I am a pastry chef with a special focus on chocolate.
“I have never come across another product that is delicious on its own but also enhances other products.”
Kirsten loves to educate and inspire others and appeared in the 2017 MasterChef Australia Grand Finale, presenting the final challenge for the season, and is a regular guest on the show.
She has also spent many years teaching others about creating desserts through her television show called The Chocolate Queen, which premiered in 2019 airing both in Australia and internationally.
Focusing on home-bakers, Kirsten presented an array of achievable recipes and innovative chocolate tips and tricks.
The show was so well-received that season two was filmed and aired in late 2021 with season three currently in the works.
Kirsten said she was excited to be able to teach more people about her world of dessert when she arrived in Bundaberg for Taste.
“I have been to Bundaberg once when I was young so I don’t remember much but I am excited to explore the town and immerse myself in Bundaberg’s food culture and businesses!” she said.
“My hands-on class will let the students embrace the world of chocolate.
“Creating mouth-watering ganache, decadent chocolate coatings and my signature style rebellion lollipops all packaged for participants to take home.”
Kirsten Tibballs will be demonstrating her cooking skills at the Taste Farmers Market on Saturday 6 August at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.
Find out more here.
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