Jen-uinely Sweet

From Jen Barney website

I'm inspired by another artists story. Her rise to fame, literally because she is a baker. La Crosse area folks know her, Jen Barney, a two time winner of the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship.


The La Crosse Library sponsors a program called Monday mornings on Main, as the guest speaker Jen Barney gave us insight into the challenges and rewards of being a contestant. She felt she was well prepared bringing with her a folder of ideas and recipe notes. She credits her success to being herself and being GENUINE, that kept her grounded throughout the challenges.

Winning has helped launch her dream of opening a store front by the end of this year in La Crosse. She currently creates her cakes and confectioneries out of her home, called Meringue Bakery. Besides having the honor of winning she spoke of the confidence it brought out of her, a real sense of self worth and "Why not me?" attitude.

This I could relate to, so many artists deal with the issue. I know that it isn't enough to be good or even great if you doubt yourself.

Check out Jen Barney on her facebook page Meringue Bakery and website meringuecakes.com  or even better yet watch the videos on the foodnetwork.com seasons 4 and 5 Holiday Baking Championships.







At one point I dabbled in the art of cake creations. It was on my list of to dos and took a class at Michaels sponsored by Wilton. Learning some techniques and basics I had a lot of fun bringing treats to coworkers and experimenting with inspirations found on pinterest. Here's my one contest winner, a combination of piping, fondant and gum paste with super sculpy clay figure. Coincidentally it was at another library sponsored event so I depicted the book My Secret Garden.

My cakes were straight from a box and just a creative outlet during winter working hours. I don't want to even compare myself with a professional baker,