Turlock High senior Gianna Roe is a teen with varied interests. She plays on the Bulldogs’ softball team and is active in the school’s FFA chapter. She’s also considering becoming a certified welder. However, it’s her interest in baking, something she’s been doing since she was old enough to hold a spoon, that has brought her the most recognition.
“Ever since I was little, I liked helping my mom and my grandpa in the kitchen making cannoli and cookies,” said Roe.
The 17-year-old Roe is one of about 1,000 remaining contestants in the Greatest Baker competition, presented by the Food Network’s Cake Boss Buddy Valastro.
“I’ve seen all the other competitors that I’m up against and their creations are really good,” said Roe, who already operates her own business — Gianna’s Homebaked Goods. “I have some heavy competition.”
Entrants from all over the country uploaded pics of their confections. At the outset, there were 47,000 contestants vying for the top prize of $10,000, and Roe has survived five different cuts to reach the quarterfinal round.
Roe chose to go with a black and white cake, with roses on top, along with cake pops and sugar cookies, as her entry.
“I’d like baking to be my career,” said Roe. “I’d like to open up my own bakery here in town.”
In addition to the $10,000 grand prize, there’s a special Critic’s Pick, which is awarded with recognition in “Bake from Scratch” magazine.
Roe’s mother, a schoolteacher at Sacred Heart School, is of Italian and Portuguese descent, two cultures rich in epicurean traditions, where cooking serves as more than just a mealtime necessity — it’s a pastime. Her grandmother’s first-cousin is noted restauranteur Dan Costa. Roe has even inherited a vintage KitchenAid mixer from her great-grandmother, an immigrant from Italy.
So, what might a teenager do with a $10,000 first prize?
“I’d put it toward opening my own bakery,” said Roe.
To visit Roe’s “Greatest Baker” profile, visit greatestbaker.com/2023/gianna-roe. You can vote for your favorite contestant once every 24 hours.
