I’m freshly returned from Vancouver with renewed energy and enthusiasm. A change is as good as a holiday, but a holiday is still the best! 

My mom and I had a great time at the Bakery Showcase in stunning Vancouver. From the Women in Baking Panel, to the Baker’s Association of Canada Dinner Cruise, to visiting, dining and walking with old friends and family, it was a super fun adventure all around. Not to mention the supportive feeling of the baking community who have so much knowledge to share.

When every March rolled by, I would see an advertisement for the International Pizza Expo in Vegas. I always wanted to attend, but I could never make it work. This year, I made it work!! I even dragged along my husband, my two brothers and their partners and it was totally worth it!

When the calendar rolls around to January and a new year, I look forward to mapping out the next year of my life.

What are my new goals?
What are my plans for fun and fulfillment
What changes are on the way?

With the final episode of Wall of Bakers approaching, I’ve been able to take some time to reflect on what an amazing experience it was to be a part of the inaugural season of Wall of Bakers on The Food Network Canada.

For most people, the traditions around the holidays involve having family together for dinners and gatherings. For me and my family, our traditions include working long hours together making special seasonal products for our lovely customers and our own family. 

Making Panettone is a loving and personal process. In the beginning of November, I brought to life my very special “Italian sourdough” which is cultured specifically for Panettone. This year, I named her “Ingrid”. She will be on a consistent and frequent feeding schedule throughout the holiday season, gotta keep her healthy!

One of our lovely staff members, Zarish, asked me to participate in a short film for a class project. We talked through some of the history of my family and the bakery, as well as what this last year (and a bit) has been like for us at the bakery. I hope you give it a watch. Zarish did a wonderful job!

If you live in Saskatoon, you’ve likely heard of Christies Mayfair Bakery. If you haven’t, you’re missing out on some of the best bread and pastries in Saskatchewan. Christies is a Saskatoon institution, making bread, cinnamon buns, and artisan sourdoughs for nearly a century. We had a chance to talk with one of the co-owners, Tracey Muzzolini, during a break while she was making fruit cake during the Christmas season. We talked about family recipes and what it’s like running a family business and what goes into working alongside your family for so long.