January 30, 2012, Updated September 11, 2012

Pita, it would seem, is the new baguette. Israeli pastry chefs won first prize at the Sixth SIGEP Bread Cup international bread baking championship in Italy over the weekend, beating nine other countries along the way.

The contest included four categories: traditional bread, healthy bread, baked dessert and artistic bread.

Israel placed first in both the healthy bread category – a spinach pita filled with pistachio-covered cheese balls – and in the baked dessert category – strawberry brioche with fruit topping.

The Israeli team included chefs Eli Abraham, Jack Hazan, Alex Besser, Eran Shwartbard and Osnat Lipson.

Australia placed second in the overall competition.

Other countries taking part included Mexico, Morocco, France, Germany, Spain, England and Portugal.

 

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