Baker of the Fair winner preaches patience and practice
By Ann Marie Chechalk
How do you become “The Batter Up Champ,” or better known as “Baker of the Fair?”
One winner is determined by the best aggregate score based on three points for a first place finish, two points for second and one point for third in the baking section of the West Niagara Fair.
Deanna Bartels of St. Anns has been entering the local fair with her baking for the past seven years, but this year she set her sights high. Since points are used to determine the winner, entrants must enter a variety of baked goods in a number of classes. And they must be baked goods that the judge tastes and determines to be the best.
How many classes did she enter this year in her quest to be the best?
“It was a lot of work and a lot of ingredients, but I entered 15 baking entries including the special baking classes, this is the most baking I have ever entered,” says Bartels.
“I won in the Special: two-tier cake made by woman with the theme, ‘Herd it through the grape vine.’ This earned me a special prize of cake pans with fall spatula and leaf cookie cutter. I won the peach cobbler class sponsored by local fruit grower Torrie Warner. Placing with my zucchini bread and the coveted white cake entry, plus my Nanaimo bars, and banana chocolate chip muffins, must have also impressed the judge.”
Baking’s been a life long passion for Bartels, who has fond memories being in the kitchen as a child.
“For as long as I can remember, I always loved helping my mom bake in the kitchen. I enjoy baking and I love walking through the Homecraft Hall and seeing all the amazing entries and it never gets old seeing a ribbon pinned on your entry tag, especially a red ribbon,” she said.
What is the secret to making the winning cakes and cookies? Bartels isn’t quick to say.
“They call it a secret after all,” she said with a laugh, but added, “I will say it takes patience and practice.”
Her family offered her congratulations upon seeing all her winnings. And what will she be doing with the money she earned as Batter Up Champ? Buying butter, of course!
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