The Potsdam Food Co-op held its 22nd Holiday Baking Fest and Silent Auction on Sunday, December 15th in the Potsdam Town Hall Community Room. This important community event is the Co-op’s annual fundraiser, this year raising $767 for the Potsdam Neighborhood Center.

Many visitors attended and enjoyed sampling a beautiful array of 20 mouth-watering cakes, cookies, pies, and savory treats, silently voting for their favorites. Many placed bids on the duplicate uncut version in the Silent Auction, hoping for the chance to take home a special treat. Kristal Hayes, Director of the Potsdam Neighborhood Center, assisted in serving samples and was also available to talk with guests about the essential work the Neighborhood Center does for those in the community.

In addition to home bakers, local eateries were invited to participate this year in the newly created “Professional” category. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s event. Our community home bakers and “Professional” eatery who received the most votes in each category of the friendly baking contest, and also winners of a $25 Co-op Gift Certificate are:

• Dessert: Fatima Mustafa - Qatayef (walnut & cinnamon)

• Cookies: Mary Michalek - Tweed Cakes

• Special Diet: Jan DeWaters - Vegan Apple-Cranberry Galette

• Savory: Fatima Mustafa - Cheese & Potato Phyllo Cups

• Professional: Big Spoon Kitchen - Potsdam "Stoner" Galette

The other “Professionals” who entered and contributed their delicious creations in this new category were: Crush Bistro with Peppermint Pattie Cheesecake; Marigold Kitchen & Bakery with Chocolate Bliss Cake; and the Potsdam Co-op’s Carriage House Bakery with Chocolate Mint Dream Cupcakes. Big Spoon Kitchen also contributed a second entry, Chocolate Brownies with Chocolate Ganache Frosting.

The annual Baking Fest has become a tradition for many individuals and families over the years. It is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season while supporting a worthwhile organization!

The Co-op wishes to sincerely thank everyone for their significant part in helping to raise $767 for the Potsdam Neighborhood Center! We very much appreciate all who participated; the bakers, bidders, and those who contributed to the donation jar.

Thanks also to the Co-op staff, working-owners, committee members, and members of the Co-op’s Board of Directors who assisted in the various aspects necessary for the success of this important community event. This collective effort is what makes the Baking Fest and Silent Auction an integral part of the holiday season that helps to make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether you can bake, bid, or just enjoy sampling the delicious entries, we hope you can join us next year for this annual tradition.

Lynn Clark, marketing/outreach coordinator

Potsdam Food Co-op & Carriage House Bakery