I hope you try these. Mary Anne was quoted as saying “her passion is chocolate.” You will understand why when you taste them. Just be warned that they are addictive! Mary Anne’s husband is a big supporter and has always appreciated her good cooking; so much that he gained thirty-five pounds the first year they were married! However, she said, over the years they learned moderation!
The contest was held at the stunning Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. This is probably one of the most luxurious Bake-Off venues ever!
My dear friend, Lisa Keys from Middlebury, Connecticut, was a contestant at this Bake-Off. Lisa is one of the most creative cooks I know. These beautiful “Middleberry” Scones consist of a whole wheat scone made with cinnamon and orange zest, and a filling of raspberry preserves; then served with a spread of cream cheese, raspberry preserves, and more orange zest. Gorgeous and delicious!
“Middleberry Scones is one of my all-time favorite recipes. Not only does it celebrate my New England hometown, but it also represents that phase of my life when I started cooking and baking healthier. I was just so delighted when I got the call to go to San Diego. This Bake-Off was a big deal because the second time around, I felt more like I knew what I was doing, and my whole family was going to San Diego with me. It was the vacation of a lifetime as we had Sea World all to ourselves for a private Bake-Off party and my children got to play with the dolphins. I was so proud to give them such a gift as staying at the Del Coronado Hotel, exploring tide pools in La Jolla, and spending time on a warm sunny beach in the middle of February. As a matter of fact, while mom was baking her heart out, they were enjoying a day at the beach. It was there that my five-year-old son, William, watched US Navy SEALS practicing maneuvers and declared one day he would grow up and be one of those guys. He never wavered from that dream except to join the Navy as a Corpsman. His first assignment was Balboa Hospital in San Diego – talk about full circle. Really, attending that Bake-Off was life-changing in so many ways. Plus – I won $2,000!! The prize money translated into the entire vacation being free which was really a nice bonus, but mostly my family was just so excited when my name was called. Just priceless to have them so proud of me. The other thing I was able to do was get Sally Pillsbury to autograph my first Bake-Off book experience which is just one of my favorite keepsakes of all time.”
Here is Lisa with her beautiful son, William, and as you can see, proudly wearing his Navy shirt. An unspeakable tragedy happened last spring when William lost his life in a car accident. Lisa is not only an incredible mom and wife, a great cook, and now, the bravest woman I know. Lisa says her goal is to honor her son every day for the rest of her life. This blog is dedicated in honor of William, who so many loved and cherished. Lisa said William loved her cooking and was so proud of her contest wins. Please say a prayer for Lisa and her family and remember to thank our brave military men and women who guard us all and keep us safe. William was one of those honorable men. And the most wonderful son any mother could have.
Photo of the “Fudgy Bonbons” are by my daughter, Kristina Vanni. Visit her blog at: http://www.betterrecipes.com/blogs/daily-dish
Bake-Off #2: http://su.pr/2zgjZn
Bake-Off #3: http://su.pr/7VZzZS
Bake-Off #4: http://su.pr/292acQ
Bake-Off #5: http://su.pr/2yOSvP
Bake-Off #6: http://su.pr/28VYBh
Bake-Off #7: http://su.pr/1hk3nb
Bake-Off #8: http://su.pr/22JMGd
Bake-Off #9: http://su.pr/2KkA2E
Bake-Off #10: http://su.pr/8awD1k
Bake-Off #11: http://su.pr/1CmPvD
Bake-Off #12: http://su.pr/3ogo5M
Bake-Off #13: http://su.pr/1a4HYQ
Bake-Off #14: http://su.pr/3tgiV5
Bake-Off #15: http://su.pr/7tQXBu
Bake-Off #16: http://su.pr/9nPW7c
Bake-Off #17: http://su.pr/9WIaqm
Bake-Off #18: http://su.pr/6MMS45
Bake-Off #19: http://su.pr/2A7GXI
Bake-Off #20: http://su.pr/2MwjlD
Bake-Off #21: http://su.pr/1nIgIJ
Bake-Off #22: http://su.pr/1nkUgJ
Bake-Off #23 http://su.pr/20jQDK
Bake-Off #24 http://su.pr/AMfFSj
Bake-Off #25 http://su.pr/4btzLZ
Bake-Off #26 http://su.pr/2sJrvp
Bake-Off #27 http://su.pr/9cG4B1
Bake-Off #28 http://su.pr/24CMm0
Bake-Off #29 http://su.pr/8th5eg
Bake-Off #30 http://su.pr/AUUGkZ
Bake-Off #31 http://su.pr/9j9TQ6
Bake-Off #32 http://su.pr/76Fl0s
Bake-Off #33 http://su.pr/26Q4KJ
Bake-Off #34 (part 1) http://su.pr/3TlcVI
(part 2) http://su.pr/7suCub
Bake-Off #35 http://su.pr/1lZC8X
There are no words….thank you!
xoxo
Lisa
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing young man ….
Great memories for all of this Bake Off. Beautiful tribute to Lisa’s dear son. My prayers are with them.
I loved reading this wonderful tribute. You have such warm memories of William to cherish. Know that he is close by with you, at cook offs and especially at his special bench.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful person–thank you for sharing Lisa and William’s story.