Baking Scraps

In this episode, Lisa and Cristina are excited to welcome Fred Csibi-Levin, the talented scientist-turned-pastry chef known as Doc Macaron.

With a background in pharmaceuticals, Fred made the significant decision to leave his career and fully embrace his passion for pastry. He shares how his scientific expertise influences his baking techniques and how he’s dedicated to teaching others through online classes and his vibrant social media presence. Fred competed in the 2022 Christmas Cookie Challenge, showcasing his remarkable creations and unique approach to baking.

Join us as we explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the upcoming cookbook set to launch on November 26th, filled with inspiring macaron recipes and insights on how to master this tricky cookie. This conversation promises to be both enlightening and delicious, diving deep into the world of creative baking and the balance between science and art.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double the Fun, Double the Episodes!

We’ve got something extra special coming this Tuesday! Lisa and Cristina teamed up with Erin and Heather from Three Kitchens Podcast for a crossover event—you’ll hear us on their show, and them on ours!

Three Kitchens is all about cooking (with a little baking), and these two bring fun, creativity, and great conversation to the kitchen. We had a blast chatting with them about their journey into the podcasting world and their adventures in the kitchen!

Catch both episodes wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t miss this delicious double feature! And be sure to follow Erin & Heather on @three_kitchens_podcast for lots of great conversation and meal ideas!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vincent Chan and Steven Levitt (suddenly know as "The Fabulous Baker Boys") take the reins as the new hosts of this week's recap of Savoury Week from Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. While initially reluctant, Lisa and Cristina quickly embrace the opportunity to learn from the expertise of their new co-hosts.

The first-ever Savoury Week showcases a vibrant array of Signature samosas, a tempting technical bake, and Wellingtons prepared in two unique styles, all evoking the comforts of home and introducing a new Star Baker (or Fryer?). Cheeseburger flavors, cream cheese, goat cheese, and a variety of eggs emerge more frequently than expected, adding an unexpected twist to the bakes. Meanwhile, a crucial decision to omit a component may be what leads to one baker's departure.

As the episode unfolds, the quartet enjoy witty one-liners from several bakers; take note of the expanded role of the hosts this week; and explore the challenges of puff pastry, pondering the essential roles of prosciutto and crepes in a Wellington. Ultimately, a trio of nearly flawless bakes earns a well-deserved Star Baker title, wrapping up a delightfully sweet and savoury episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Lisa and Cristina for an inspiring episode featuring Lauren Tjoe, the youngest winner of Season 6 of the Great Canadian Baking Show! Balancing her finance career with her passion for baking, Lauren shares her journey from Tsawwassen to Toronto and dives into her love for collecting teapots and her daily excitement for breakfast.

What makes Lauren's story truly remarkable is her experience on the show as a gluten and dairy-free baker. Due to her dietary restrictions, she had to bake without tasting her creations, relying on her intuition, creativity, and knowledge of flavors. Discover how this challenge shaped her baking style and taught her to trust her instincts in the kitchen.

Now living in Toronto, Lauren satisfies her creative cravings through pop-up baking events while maintaining close friendships with her fellow contestants. Tune in as she reflects on her journey, shares tips for aspiring bakers, and discusses the joy of combining finance with her culinary passions. This episode is a delightful mix of baking, personal growth, and the adventures of following your dreams!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The inimitable and indomitable Patty de Guia joins Lisa and Cristina for a Baking Scraps episode that is both heart-wrenching and hilarious.

From sharing the story of her three life-threatening "close calls" to expressing how it felt to leave the Great Canadian Baking Show tent, the third baker eliminated from Season 8 opens up in a way that only Patty can do. She talks about her extensive cookbook collection; the friendships she made in the tent (and the gifts she left behind for her fellow bakers); and how it felt to walk her kids to school for the first time after her above-the-knee leg amputation. We play a game of This or That that forces Patty to choose between her two loves - and no, her children are not included in that question.

Patty's exuberance and determination inspired us when she was in the tent and continue to do so now that she is out. Find out for yourself what a little dose of Patty can do for you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.