Staff Spotlight: The Amateur Baker
Carbohydrates are a common way to the heart. (We’re raising our hands high!) So, to win the hearts of many, that’s where baking comes in. Meet Amy, Senior Credit Analyst at BHFCU.
While she baked here or there growing up, it wasn’t until her daughter went to college that Amy found her passion for baking. It began as a way to fill her extra time with a combination of two things she loves: science and rules.
“I loved baking right away because of its scientific element and being a natural rule follower,” Amy shared. “Over time, I’ve been able to branch out and measure more with my heart.”
Whether it’s a simple loaf of bread or a complex dessert, Amy’s favorite thing about baking is bringing happiness to others. She believes good food inspires conversation, something she wants to help encourage more of. This is felt firsthand at our corporate office, where Amy often tests out (read: hits it out of the park with) her creations.
“Rather than eat an entire loaf of bread myself or throw half of it away, I decided to share, and people seemed to like it,” explained Amy. “Sharing allowed me to try new bread types and varieties while making people happy.”
Like is an understatement. On any given day, if you don’t manage to make it to the office kitchen before 9 am, entire loaves of bread will be reduced to a few lingering crumbs. Given the cult following her bread drummed up, Amy has also helped boost donations to our staff-led charitable giving program by offering up mini-subscriptions for auction and championing our internal bake sale.
While she is a solitary baker (too many cooks in the kitchen is a real thing!), Amy believes anyone can bake. Have you experienced a flop and given up? Amy confided she’s had about a million flops, but she let us in on two of her biggest secrets. Fresh ingredients and time! She recommends not baking when you’re rushed and checking the dates on all your ingredients, including those you rarely replace, like floof powder (aka, baking powder).
“I love to make things that look challenging, two accomplishments immediately come to mind,” Amy shared with a smile. “Pop-pop’s torte, a Latvian cake that has seven layers including homemade coffee cream, and a dessert comprised of vanilla mousse, peach gelee center, and mirror glaze frosting – that beauty took me two days to complete!”
Amy may be responsible for a little tightening at our waistlines, but it’s more than made up for by the camaraderie she’s built and the smiles she’s brought to our workspace. Now, we’re going to go dream about what we’ll find in the kitchen next!
