Tracy, that's awesome - a finalist not once, but twice! Wow. Considering the zillions of people who enter, that's impressive. I'm happy that you took the time to post an "opposing view" here. Just as you spoke up for baking that doesn't necessarily include flour or stirring things together, I felt I needed to speak up for the more traditional type of baking. I fear it's becoming lost in our American culture, the desire to take time to bake yeast breads from scratch, cookies by beating butter and sugar and eggs together, and pancakes not from a boxed mix, but with butter and milk and flour. I believe in our history, and our culture; and I believe that there need to be stewards to take it forward. I've chosen to be one of those stewards, and would never consider forcing that task on anyone who doesn't want to shoulder it. In fact, I don't believe in baking "contests" — I don't believe in baking as a competitive sport. I feel it's a collaborative, creative effort, with the reward coming in the form of the happiness it brings both the baker and those who enjoy his or her labors. For those who love baking contests, I say go for it- whatever brings YOU happiness. So we can agree to disagree agreeably on this one. : ) P.S.: I do use convenience products (you'll find them scattered throughout this blog); I do take the time to bake at home, outside "business hours;" and I have a full and rewarding and busy life (including three jobs) that encompasses much more than watching yeast perform its tricks!

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