Runner Up at the Manitoba Canola Growers
Red River College Baking Competition
Robbyn Redekopp begins our interview with a confession. “My grandmother makes the most awesome raisin scones in the world,” says Redekopp who recently completed the professional baking program at Red River College.
So young Robbyn has a big apron to fill when it comes to honing her baking skills. She’s doing okay though. Her recipe for cranberry almond orange scones was good enough to grab one of two blue ribbons handed out at the Creative Canola Bake Off sponsored by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association. Most of the students in Red River College’s professional baking program competed.
“I’ve been baking with my grandma since I was a little girl. Some of our favourites include ice cream cookies, jam jams and peppermint cookies,” she said, and added that both grandmothers are avid bakers. “In fact, everyone in my family bakes. The whole point of me taking the professional baking program was to find out about the science behind baking, to understand it just a little bit better.”
For her winning entry, Redekopp gathered some of the pantry’s most complementary flavours to produce a flaky scone topped with course sugar and toasted almonds. The diminutive treats are served with a swirl of whipped orange zest butter.
“I like to add a lot of things to my scones. This recipe happens to be my mom’s favourite,” said Redekopp.
For the competition, Redekopp make a bold decision to use canola oil instead of the very traditional butter when it came to making her scones.
“I was a little nervous, that’s for sure, because we always use butter. But it went really well. There we no issues although mine do have a slightly different texture,” she said.
While scones were a winner for her, Redekopp’s heart is in cakes and cupcakes. “Yes, I love watching Cake Boss on television. I love reality cooking shows. You learn so much.”
Redekopp said her boyfriend can’t get enough cupcakes so she gets lots of practice. “He’s pretty much obsessed with my vanilla cupcakes.”
In addition to working full time at a Winnipeg bakery, Redekopp offers custom creations including breads, cooking, dainties and cakes through her Facebook fan page (search for Half Baked Creations By Robbyn Michal).
By Shel Zolkewich
