I have known Mary Beth Patzke Uttecht since kindegarten. We both grew up on State Street in Menasha, Wisconsin. Her sweet and funny mother was like a second mom. I just had an “AHA MOMENT”…Mary got her great sense of humor from her mother. Comedy is in the Patzke genes!
Mary is still living in the Neenah-Menasha area, where she is the mother of two children. I am exiled to the “Heart of Dixie” because my husband’s job is here. It was wonderful to reconnect with her via Facebook. I love her posts because they are usually about the sweet simple things in life, like how the apple pie she just baked is filling the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. A recent Facebook post of hers inspired this blog post. Mary advised: “To my friends who are new to gluten free baking…just a little tip i have learned from mom’s place baking. Remember to take your eggs out early, they need to be room temperature when baking. Also, when it says “warm” water like 105 degrees, that is really hot. (If you have a thermometer, use it.) Sometimes things don’t turn out if the eggs are cold and the water isn’t hot enough. Yep, I’m speaking from experience!”
The same day Mary posted her baking advice, I learned about a wonderful website on home baking. What a wealth of baking knowledge awaits you at this site! Do you want to know how to combine camping and baking in the great outdoors? Just check out the Campfire USA recipes! Frightened about trying to make gluten-free baked goods? Don’t sweat it because tips on gluten-free baking are available. In addition, videos and webinars on such topics like ROLLING OUT A PIE CRUST or BAKING SUBSTITUTIONS are provided. Are you a teacher or health professional? Educator resources are provided for your baking classes. BEST OF ALL, IT IS FREE!
What a gift from the HOME BAKING ASSOCIATION! Their mission is “Providing tools and knowledge to perpetuate generations of home bakers.” THANK YOU!
As for my friend, Mary, THANK YOU for your wild, crazy, joyful, and funny Facebook posts! Keep them coming! GO PACKERS GO!
