Roma Jones-Morgan's gorgeously decorated cake was the hands down favourite in the beauty category. The edible flowers on top made it an eye-pleaser. However, the judges remarked that she fell down in the category of Texture. Sonia Alexander's cake topped by handmade poinsettia was also an eye-pleaser.

The only man in the competition, Dr. Alvin Morales, a naturopath and certified hypnotherapist, was pipped by Wilson at the last minute. Morales, who had promised the judges that he would make their toes curl (because his cake was so good) presented what the judges called 'a man's cake'. It was thoughtfully decorated with artificial holly and leaves (for which he scored highly). However, the alcohol was overpowering, leaving a harsh aftertaste, said some of the judges. While they thought the overall taste was good, some felt the fruit should have soaked a bit longer.

The cakes were judged on Appearance/ Presentation; Texture; Taste; Flavour; and The Want More factor (you taste it and you want more). The scoring was from one to 10 for each category with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

Our panel of judges was carefully selected. Besides being serious Christmas cake lovers they had to bring other qualities to the table. For a moment, they lost their cool when they bit into Valrie Davis' brandy Christmas cake.

CLAIRE CLARKE, STAR EDITOR

Clarke says when she was five her father gave her two big licks for licking the cake batter from the bowl. "I thought that was standard operating procedure," she explained. Nevertheless, she grew up being able to sniff out the "fast-food" from the real old-fashioned kind. Plus, she married a man "whose mother was the greatest cake maker in the world." Her husband bakes and his brother made the cake for their wedding.

BARBARA ELLINGTON, SENIOR GLEANER WRITER

I am a certified world BBQ Association judge. I make an excellent Christmas cake every year and I know what to look for.

NASHAUNA DRUMMOND, LIFESTYLE REPORTER

"I grew up with my grandmother (in the country) who had 11 children," explains Drummond. "Now, nobody's fingers are as sweet as hers. So I know what a great Christmas cake should taste like because I've tasted the real thing from my grandmother."

BARBARA WILLIAMS, SECRETARY (STANDING)

I have been involved in the pastry business for over 25 years as a baker/decorator and teacher.

HOPE MCMILLAN, PROJECT MANAGER AT GO JAMAICA

My sweet tooth makes me the perfect judge. Not only do I enjoy the tasting experience, I just love cake (and anything else with sugar) ... but I can still manage to be objective.

JANET DELISSER, CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER