Laura Widener, Baker/Owner,
Pastrygirl
Fattingman
WHEN DID YOU START COOKING? I was in second grade when I made my first cake. I think it was a box cake. [In my childhood home]
most of our baking was done during the holidays. Occasionally during the summers there might be a pie. I took on the pie baking mantle
when I was in high school. I perfected my apple pie before I graduated high school.
WHO INSPIRED YOU? My family kind of inspired me. I was really encouraged by how much they loved and enjoyed my cooking and bak-
ing. It brought me a lot of joy to have them respond so positively to it.
FAVORITE INGREDIENT? I love chocolate. I love the things you can do with chocolate. It can be something so simple as chocolate chip
cookies or as elaborate as a chocolate soufflé. I love everything from the 40% milk chocolate to the 85% bittersweet chocolate and all of the
different things you can do with them.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY? Halloween is our favorite holiday. I love it! I love all the treats, the decorations and the mystery that comes with it.
It’s exciting to offer people home baked goods during this season, because they don’t expect it.
When I was very young and homemade treats were still very popular (before scary people were doing scary things to candy), I loved that our
neighbors would do popcorn balls and candy apples.
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS? The holidays for Stephanie and I are very special and our traditions are things we’ve built together. Christmas
eve is fantastic; we have crab, a green salad and champagne. We’ve done it with just the two of us and with other family if they are in town.
Everyone loves it.
FAMILY TRADITIONS? I didn’t know my Grandmother very well, but I do have a connection. The Fattingman were her recipe, but my
Mother carried on the tradition by making them for the holidays. And now I make them, too. §
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7919 SE JustOut.com
Stark Street, Portland, 503-254-5433
The detailed recipe for this dish can be found at our website. Justout.com/recipes
December 2012