FOOD
Warren Becker, Head Baker/Owner
Blue Collar Baking Company
Blue Collar Baking’s
Mt. Hood Bundt Cake
KITCHEN INSPIRATION? My Mom defi-
nitely was the one who inspired me. For better
or for not, Mom always equated baked goods
with love. If things were a little rough around
the house I’d find an extra baked treat in my
school lunch box.
FAVORITE INGREDIENT? Vanilla. Real
vanilla is the only kind I use. It’s almost like
a booster; it brings out the other ingredients.
When I get stressed out at the bakery, it’s not
uncommon for me to open a bottle of vanilla
and take a big whiff.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY? Thanksgiving is my
favorite holiday because it doesn’t involve the
pressure of gift giving. There isn’t all that ex-
pectation about did I get the right gift, will I get
a gift, do I have to put on a fake smile. It truly is
about people gathering, breaking bread, relax-
ing and just being appreciative of what and who
is in front of them. The whole country can get
around it; it’s not a religious holiday. You don’t
have to worry about being Muslim, Jewish or
Christian.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY? One of my
favorite memories with Art (Kranz, his late
partner) is that every year we would take my
truck and go get a Christmas tree. We looked
together to find the perfect tree on a crisp win-
ter night. We’d bring it in to the house.
On the first night we’d cuddle on the couch
while the tree adapted. It would have no
ornaments on it. The house would fill up with
that evergreen smell. It was just beautiful. I
haven’t had a real tree since he passed. I haven’t
forsaken Christmas at all, but it’s still a work in
progress for me to reclaim Christmas. §
319 SW Pine Street, Portland
503-227-3249
The detailed recipes for this
dish can be found at our
website. Justout.com/recipes
28
JustOut.com
November 2012