Anny lived in the house next door when we moved back to Ashland in 1995. She has always been a quiet person and it took a long time for me to get to know her. What I did learn early on is that Anny has an artistic side and she sees the humor in situations . And I know for a fact that she is a most beloved daughter.
When she was a youngster, Anny spent time baking with her ouma (grandma) and there is some speculation that that is what sparked her love of baking. Her great-grandmother was also a marvelous baker. And, there is a rumor that her neighbor is a pretty good baker as well. Maybe it’s because of all of those elements that Anny decided to enroll in the baking program at Seattle Culinary.
Before attending this school, Anny worked at a place called “Nana’s Soup House” where she baked breads and made soups early in the morning. She really liked, as I do, the quiet of the kitchen in the morning when there wasn’t anyone else around. It’s a lovely feeling to be on your own, in charge of the kitchen, and creating lovely food.
Since I mentioned that Anny likes humor, I thought I should include a clip of one of her favorite comedians, Brian Reagan. He is a pretty funny guy – and Anny and both of my kids can recite his routine (almost) verbatim.
I’d be a lot better off if I was to study more growing up. But you know where it all went wrong is the day that they started the spelling bee. Cause up until that day I was an idiot, but nobody else knew, y’know. And the spelling bee day popped up: “OK kids, up against the wall! It’s time for public humiliation.” Spell a word wrong, sit down in front of your friends. Y’know, that’s great for little egos: “Hey, look at me! I’m a moron. I wasn’t even close. I was using numbers and stuff.” That’s where I admired that kid who spelt it wrong on purpose, so he could sit down. He knew he wasn’t going to win so why stand there for three hours. First round: “Cat. K.A.T, I’m out-ta here…” Then as he passed you… “I know there’s two T’s.” I remember my teacher ask me: “Brian, what’s the I before E rule?” Ummm… I before E… Always. “What are you an idiot Brian?” Apparently! So she explains it: “No Brian it’s I before E except after C, and that sounded like A in a neighbouring way and on weekends and holidays and all throughout May and you’ll always be wrong no matter what you say!” That’s a hard rule!
A little birdie told me that tonight for dinner, Anny had a triple decker meat/mashed potato loaf with roasted garlic mashers on the first layer and cheesy mashers between the next two – and that it was the best ‘birthday cake’ ever! After which she and her family will taste the gluten free Apple Blueberry Cobbler that I made for her.
And at this moment, east coast time, Anny was born 29 years ago today! Anny, Happy, Happy Birthday – and please keep on baking up a storm and creating wonderful breads, fabulous cookies, and perfect pastries for the world and for you. I look forward to seeing and tasting the products of your education (and talent) for many years to come.
Pie a Day Give Away 
thank you karen! the cobbler is the kind of tasty that makes you drool when you cut into it. also, it is 5:20 in the morning and i snickered to myself after reading brian reagan and then had to read it out loud to my parents, who are still nestled down in their nests in my living room. a good morning laugh… thank you thank you thank you!
~anny
You are most welcome! Glad I got to be a part of the celebration.
KA