CM Life sweetens the season with inaugural Holiday Bake-Off
The staff of Central Michigan Life was baking spirits bright on Nov. 22 at the office’s first Holiday Bake-Off. Though her opponents’ baked goods were tough to beat, Assistant Photo Editor Ella Miller ultimately slayed the competition.
The inaugural bake-off featured six participants and was judged by three guest judges.
The judges included Central Michigan University Professor and Director of the Political Science Program Kyla Stepp, Assistant Director of Student Media Kathy Simon and Associate Professor and Director of the Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center Jeff Fisher.
Stepp said that she was asked by one of her students, Editor-in-Chief Lauren Rice, to participate as a judge in the friendly competition.
“I’ve probably mentioned once or twice that I like desserts,” Stepp said.
The judges sat at a small table in the center of the office, surrounded by crowds of eager onlookers. From the first bite taken, the room was chillingly silent. Tension flooded the space like a cool winter breeze.
As they sampled each baked masterpiece -- besides the box of Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes thrown into the mix -- the judges nodded with approval and occasionally wrote down notes.
“It was really good. It was fun," Stepp said. "They were all very tasty."
When the time came to select the tastiest holiday treat, the contestants and onlookers began to chatter anxiously as the judges discussed and compared their scores.
The ranked list of bakers and their confections was posted as follows:
- Ella Miller - Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
- Courtney Boyd - Peppermint brownies
- Lauren Rice - Gingerbread cookies
- Lauren Pocica - Snickerdoodles
- Luana Stevens - Peanut butter cookies
(Honorable mention) Olivia Garcia - Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes
The room erupted into cheers as each contestant’s name was read, especially for the first Holiday Bake-Off champion. Miller’s pumpkin chocolate chip cookies were a smash hit among the judges, earning her the coveted title.
“I feel really happy. I wasn’t expecting to win but I’m really excited,” Miller said.
She said she didn't go into the competition set on winning, but rather to have fun with the experience. She agreed that the bake-off was a good excuse to break out her oven mitts.
“I bake a lot at home but I haven’t baked in my apartment before this,” Miller said.
Fourth-place contestant Pocica said she enjoys baking for the reprieve that it brings.
“It was something that I started as a hobby and something to get my mind off of school work and the craziness of life,” Pocica said.
Similarly to Miller, Pocica said she signed up for CM Life’s bake-off for the experience.
“I wanted to try my hand at a competition, I’ve never had my baking judged before,” Pocica said.
After participating in the bake-off, Pocica said she’d be willing to join more competitions if the opportunity presents itself.
CM Life’s inaugural Holiday Bake-Off brought healthy competition and holiday cheer to Moore Hall. It appears that this event will be a new holiday tradition for the CM Life staff for years to come.
