Annika Coffman is a lot like any other seventh grader. She goes to school, has homework, participates in after-school activities like gymnastics, piano lessons, and cheerleading. However, unlike many children her age, Annika was also the runner-up of a Food Network competition show because of her talent and passion for baking.
Annika sent in her audition tape for “Kids Baking Championship” on a whim after her aunt Shelby Coffman, who works in the food industry in Costa Mesa, California, heard about the competition and encouraged Annika to participate. During the four-episode show, Annika used some of her own recipes, such as the Raspberry-Swirl cake below, but was also tested with other new, more challenging recipes. She’s thankful for the baking experience but even more appreciative of the relationships the show helped her form.
“I think the one thing I carry with me from the show is just the entire experience,” Annika says. “It was really special because all of the kids blended well together and we were all friends. I still keep in contact with them. I think the friendships we made will carry through time.”
While Annika gained friends and confidence from being on the show, she says that baking in her everyday life is her stress release.
“I compete in All-Star Cheer, and it’s really intense,” she says. “The practices are really hard and take a lot of effort. Baking is a really good outlet for me and helps me clear my mind.”
Baking and being in the kitchen with her family also brings back special memories for Annika. “I baked with my grandmother a lot,” Annika says. “We made a lot of holiday pies and Christmas cookies every year. She taught me a lot of basics like how to measure things out.”
While Annika will always have these memories of baking with her grandmother, she’s also determined to carry baking and the stress release it brings throughout her life.
“I’m not sure how baking will be in my future,” she says. “It might just be something I do for fun.”
Returning to our kitchen?