My Story
12 years ago I started Avril’s Tastebud Teasers baking cakes for the booming "café" society as well as supplying morning and afternoon tea platters for functions. The platters always included my Date and Pecan Loaf which I had enjoyed as a child growing up in Capetown.
After I received many requests for the recipe, I decided it must be a taste that people enjoyed and found special. This was the beginning of the Fruit and Nut Loaf business in 2001.
I was able to showcase the Date and Pecan Loaf at Jan Powers Farmers Markets. With a large group of foodies to critique the product and with some minor refinements, it was soon selling very well.
The Apricot and Almond Loaf was launched 2 years later because some customers were interested in the product but did not like dates. In 2005 I gained Les Toques Blanche Awards for both varieties.
I then decided to create a uniquely Queensland flavour. I developed and launched the Pineapple and Macadamia Loaf with a hint of Buderim Ginger and Bundaberg Rum which proved to be extremely popular and also received a Les Toques Blanche Award in early 2006.
In September 2006 the Date and Pecan Loaf was awarded a Silver Medal at the Sydney Royal Fine Foods Show.
In December 2006 having decided earlier in the year not to make traditional Christmas Cakes I was left wondering what I could do for the festive season. It was then that the Cranberry and Pistachio Loaf was created and was an instant hit, not only because of the festive presentation when it was sliced but also because of the great taste.
On a roll and having moved into my fantastic new purpose built commercial kitchen at Morningside, I launched the all Australian Pear and Pecan Loaf which is now gaining popularity rapidly. In September 2007 the Pear and Pecan Loaf was awarded a Gold Medal at the Sydney Royal Fine Foods Show.
Mango and Macadamia Loaf is a subtle flavour sensation which I am only producing on request.
