Meet our member of the month, Pam Barnes,
the talented blogger behind Sole Passion Baker.
What was your original motivation for your blog? What keeps you motivated?
“My original motivation for my blog is to share recipes that have a story, some with memories and traditions and some with my learned knowledge from school. When I was 50, I made the decision to go back to Baking & Pastry Arts school and do what I’ve loved doing since I was a young girl, baking! Baking is my passion and is a large part of my life. I have worked in the baking industry and as a test baker. After some time, starting my blog and teaching seemed like a great fit for me. Currently I’m working on putting together materials for hands-on baking classes for small groups. I love seeing that smile of confidence when someone who thinks they can’t bake, sees their finished product and walks away knowing they can bake!”
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Hamburger, hands down! Quality meat, lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado on the side. It’s my request every year for my birthday!”
What has been your biggest cooking disaster?
“Oh my gosh, that would have to be my first attempt frying doughnuts in our apartment a few months after Dale and I were married. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment at that time and it was New Year’s Day. I got up early that morning and starting frying doughnuts, and before I new it, smoke was billowing everywhere! I set off the alarm not only in our apartment, but the entire apartment building! Three fire trucks were dispatched and I bolted for the shower, while I left poor Dale to explain the mishap to the fire department. He’s a trooper”!
March 4th is international pancake day. If you were to celebrate, how would you eat your pancakes?
“Pancakes topped with chopped walnuts, bananas and drizzled with maple syrup”.
What are you most looking forward to once Wisconsin is no longer a frozen tundra?
“Walking outside without having to worry about falling on icy sidewalks! We’re fortunate that our home backs up to Stewart Park, so we can walk on the snowy trails anytime. I would have to say though, my favorite place to hike is Copper Falls State Park in Mellen, Wisconsin. It’s absolutely beautiful!”