Winning would be icing on the cake for 'underdog' home baker

A Collingwood woman and home baker is working her way toward the title of “Greatest Baker.” 

Donna-Joe Frowen is part of an online contest that includes bakers from across the world who are vying for a $10,000 prize. 

The competition is based on votes each profile earns. So far, Frowen has made it through two rounds of elimination. 

By day, she works at Cobbs Bread and when she’s not working she enjoys baking, a hobby she’s had since childhood. 

During the pandemic she was laid off and used the time to make videos of some baking techniques she’s learned. She also recently tested her skills with a Croquembouche – which is a conical tower of profiteroles held together with caramel. 

Her best bakes are her cakes, which she makes for friends and family, and sometimes for some personal snacking. 

“I do it for fun,” she said. “I like how scientific it can be and it’s relaxing as well.” 

Her go-to recipe is apple crisp, which she made with her grandfather when she was a child. 

Since the competition is virtual and vote-based, there haven’t been specific baking challenges, and Frowen has posted several photos of her past bakes. 

“I’m a self-taught, home baker, I don’t have the professional skills some of these competitors have,” she said of her competition. “I feel like I’m the underdog sneaking through every time.” 

The next elimination round will allow only the top vote earner for her group through to the quarterfinals. She is currently ranked second. 

Voting is free once per day and requires a valid Facebook account. 

The competition also has a charity element. Those wishing to vote more than once per day can “buy” votes by making a donation to No Kid Hungry, which is an American charity dedicated to ending child hunger in the U.S. 

The prize for the competition is a profile in Bake from Scratch Magazine, a year’s supply of Stuffed Puffs marshmallows and $10,000. 

If she wins the cash prize, Frowen plans to buy some upgraded home baking equipment and work toward her own side baking business. 

The next elimination happens Nov. 19 at 11 p.m., so Frowen is hoping to earn support from her community. You can find her contest profile online here.