How do you get noticed in baking when you're only 14?!
Answers: Hey I need some major help. I just turned 14 and love to bake. My talents are rising as i become more educated, but i just can't get reconized. I live close to San Fransisco so culinarry schools are definatley an option. But if there are any local contests you've heard of please could you let me knoe?
I organize 2 Dutch oven cook offs every year and they both have Jr. divisions for those under 18 years old. A friend of mine organizes nearly 8 to 10 a year with Jr. divisions also in the central valley. Check with local scouting troops, girl and boy scouts, 4-H chapters and other youth organizations. Enter into as many categories at your county fair also. I took cooking classes with my parents at Santa Rosa Junior College and learned all kinds of cooking knowledge with my parents. When in high school CCA in S.F> knew me and my family very well and arranged special tours and events for my home economics class. I found out I knew more about cooking and baking than my teacher, so I helped teach the class and was the first male in my high school's history to recieved the distinguished students award in home economics. Don't worry about getting your name out and winning contests. Find a job in a bakery or restaurant in your neighborhood, even if it's just washing dishes you can ask all kinds of questions in the kitchen or on your breaks and learn from co-workers.
My biggest fame came well out of high school in my neighborhood when I catered at the 2002 winter olympic games. If you love cooking and baking you can also go to your local masonic temple and ask if you can volunteer and help with fundraising meals like pancake breakfasts. Try asking churches also.
Good Luck to you! and Best wishes!
do you take a class when i was in high school my baking teacher helped me get into cooking competitions pro- stop is the main one for California so you could look up that one also the food network TV channel has ones you could sign up for. idk the web site but try searching like google for baking competitions near your hometown.
why don't you think of sending Martha Stewart's PR person a note. She is a wonderful woman and very talented. I wonder if she could invite you to come on TV with her one time.
Or if she knows of programs for aspiring bakers.
maybe write to the CEO of pillsbury / duncan hines ? ask if there are programs for young people who aspire to be bakers. maybe you could come out and tour the bake room they test cakes in . ask about contests .
ask local media ? maybe summer fairs ? restaurants / craft sales ? charity bake off's
Check for local festivals and events where there is a junior entry available.
The two sites may help you.
Best of Luck!
Hon, that is awesome that you are so driven. Get on the internet and do a search for baking contests. They don't have to be local. Most often it is just submitting a recipe, they try it, vote on it, etc. If you want to get noticed locally, donate your goods to bake sales, fundraisers, etc. If possible, make sure you label them with your name and an email address or phone # you can be reached. Just be careful as you are only 14 and there are a lot of predators out there. If someone orders from you, make sure an adult is present at all times.
The holidays are approaching and back East a lot of people do cookie exchange. Check with your school, church or other organizations to see if they are having one. Perfect opportunity to let people sample your goods.
Good luck sweetie...follow your dreams! Let me know how you are doing, I'm very excited to find out. Send me an email and if I think of anything else, or if you need more help, let me know.
vonaleea@yahoo.com
Vonnie
i would check major baking websites-pillsbury, (well i can't think of any other ones, but just go look in your moms pantry-look up all the major brand names on baking products)-they may have some local contests. secondly, check out the culinary schools as well. they most likely have a kids baking class offered there. Once you get to know some of the staff at the school, they may be able to give you heads up on where to get local info. You might even find some volunteer opportunities.most importantly, i would just keep making consistently great products. thats the best way to get recognized. pass out samples, and keep promoting yourself! good luck!!!