Newnan baker finalist in Cake Boss competition | Arts & Community

Thompson said she is excited about meeting Valastro if she wins.

“There are not a ton of people to look up to in this industry, but he has the personality to go with the extreme amount of talent,” she said. “To be able to do a competition like this and help people out – he was where I am, trying to make something of a passion – and he is now able to give back.”

In addition to having the chance to meet Valastro, the “Greatest Baker” competition offers one talented baker the opportunity to be featured in Baked from Scratch magazine and take home $10,000.

Thompson said her 7-year-old son, Eli, dreams of going to Paris.

“He was about 3 when we watched the 1990s cartoon Anastasia,” she said. “After the movie, he gets up and goes to his bedroom, and comes back with his robe on, his suitcase and picture off his wall. I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’ and he says, ‘We’re going. I want to see the Eiffel tower in Paris.’

“Winning this prize would not only be a dream come true for me but would give me the opportunity to make his dream come true too,” Thompson added.

Thompson said she loves a challenge and her favorite thing to bake is the one she hasn’t done yet. She said she loves mixing flavors and ingredients to make new and unique creations.

“I learned to bake in my grandmother’s kitchen as a little girl,” Thompson said. “I watched in awe as she tossed flour on a board and kneaded dough until the texture was perfect, or (rolled) out a pie crust with just the right…