Rockwall, TX (November 17, 2023) – How do three local home bakers come together to win a Food Network competition?
It is a sweet story!
To appreciate the story, you have to venture back a few years. Amanda Walker of It’s a Cakewalk, a home-based bakery in Farmersville specializing in truly unique cake creations, was well known in the cake baking circles. Although a part-time side business or as Amanda says a “creative outlet”, her skill and creativity had become well known. Danny Romero of Rockwall’s Danny’s Cakes and Sweets was a fan!
Interestingly, Danny and Amanda just happened to be at a Lewisville cake shop, at the same time one day and Danny seized the opportunity to introduce herself. They became friends, often “talking cake”, sharing ideas, and how to’s.
Fast forward to 2022, a casting agent with Food Network’s The Big Bake reached out to Amanda after seeing her cake designs on Instagram. Asked if she might be interested in applying, Amanda was told she would need to bring a team to compete. She immediately knew that Danny, who had a knack for flavors, would be perfect but she wondered who the third team member could be.
Jumping on social media, Amanda began digging into pages and profiles. She found Alexa, of Alexa’s Pastries, close by in Royse City and immediately liked what she saw. Alexa had a style that fit their needs and an obvious ability that would complement her own.
“All the bakers know who Amanda is so when her name popped up in my messages, I thought, ‘What in the world?’” says Alexa. Reading the opportunity Amanda proposed, “my jaw dropped” in excitement and surprise!
The newly formed team, who barely knew each other and had never worked together, decided to give it a try. They went through the application process, then the 1st round, the 2nd round, and finally the interview process before being selected. In November 2022, they arrived at the Toronto set with anticipation, nerves, and a goal of doing their best.
The premise behind the show is to create a massive, theme-oriented cake within a firm time limit of five hours – including baking, sculpting, and decorating. The competing teams go in front of the judges who critique the over-the-top creations on flavor, design, and creativity, with the winning team receiving $10,000 and perhaps most importantly, immense satisfaction!
Facing the competition was one thing but “the biggest stressor was the time limit”, said Amanda. “That and baking in an oven you’ve never used”, said Danny. “You never know what to expect!”
After encountering a few issues, particularly with the pipe used for the whimsical structure, they approached the judges with anticipation. The judges offer feedback but later when the teams come together for the announcement you don’t know what was said to the others. So, it was a complete surprise to hear Team Mistletotes as the winner!
Danny, crying before the announcement, turned from nervous crying to tears to joy! “One judge came up to me, hugged me and told me how incredible the flavor was,” said Danny. “I couldn’t believe it!”
Asked if they would compete again, all three respond excitedly “YES”! Amanda adding, “If the 3 of us can compete again, I’m there!”
Having to keep the outcome a secret for a year was difficult for all three.
“I wanted to tell everyone so bad” said Alexa. “My family, friends and clients did so much for me and without their support there would not have been anything for Amanda to see to have selected me for the team.”
Winning is so sweet but there is an even sweeter side to the story. These three are now friends for life – bonded by experience! Both Danny and Alexa spoke to how neither wanted to disappoint Amanda, clearly respectful of her ability as well as her invitation to create the team. And Amanda, she applauded the amazing abilities of both Danny and Alexa saying, “I hope this boosts their businesses.”
Wonderful, talented ladies supporting each other.
Nothing could be sweeter.
Amanda, whose full-time career sees her as Accreditation Manager with the University Park Police Department, hopes that she receives many more crazy requests, as a result of the publicity! A self-proclaimed perfectionist, she loves the challenge even though she has been known to tear down a cake in the early morning because it just doesn’t seem right. You can see more creations and contact Amanda on Facebook/Instagram @itsacakewalker
Danny loves to play with flavors! With a Gastronomy degree from Mexico, she always loved baking. In the U.S. she entered the hotel industry working at such renowned hotels as The Fairmont in Dallas. She began baking full-time about the time COVID started, which helped her business as other bakeries were forced to close. Danny’s talents extend past cakes to include her favorite, French Macarons! You can see more creations and contact Danny on Facebook/Instagram @dannycakesweets
Alexa is a hometown girl who came through the Rockwall ISD Culinary Arts program. She started selling cakes to her family and friends at the age of 13 and baking full-time upon graduating high school. She is finding success – and anticipating a new baby in the coming weeks! She will take the month of January 2024 off but is already planning designs for her return to baking in February. You can see more creations and contact Alexa on Facebook/Instagram @alexaspastries
Blue Ribbon News staff
Local home bakers make a sweet name for themselves! added by Melanie M on
View all posts by Melanie M →