I am a baker at Wholesome Bakery in San Francisco, CA. I moved to San Francisco about 2 years ago...

...right after graduating from The Culinary Institute of America. I would like to open my own bakery in the future.

How long have you been a Daring Baker/Daring Cook and what’s your favorite thing about being in the group(s) so far?

I have been a DB since January 2010. I like reading everyone else’s blogs and posts about the challenge, and I like learning new things.

What’s your favorite kitchen gadget? How about your favorite kitchen appliance?

I like simple things, like my spatula for mixing and the small spatula that I use for removing things from the pan, such as cookies from a cookie sheet. I like the hand mixer from my grandmother, because it is not as powerful as the modern versions, I am able to control the mixing better. However, I am excited to get a stand mixer, because it makes things even easier.

Are you known for making a certain dish or dessert? If so, what is it?

I am known for making Better Than Brownies Cookies, which are chocolate-chocolate chip cookies that I found on another blog,

Is there any recipe and/or technique that we haven’t covered yet that you’d really like to make/learn?

Since I am new to the DBs, and I have not looked into the older forums, I am not sure what has already been covered. I would like to do more fondant work.

Do you have a favorite movie? Book? Genre of music? Actor? Actress?

I never know how to answer this type of question, because so many things come to mind….

You’ve just won $5000.00!!! What would you spend it on?

I would of course, pay my student loans! If I didn’t have that to worry about, I would go on a shopping spree. I really need some new clothes and shoes.

What is the ultimate comfort food to you?

Macaroni and cheese, made from scratch, not from the box!

Which season (Winter, Summer, Spring, Fall) is your favorite.. why?

I like warm weather, and flowers, so spring/summer.

Other than cooking and/or baking.. what hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy watching movies, TV, going to trivia nights at the bar, and reading. (which is why I couldn’t really answer #6)

How long have you been blogging? Do you like it? What’s your favorite post you’ve written?

I’ve been blogging for quite awhile, since I used to blog as a journal when I was in high school and a freshman at college, but I’ve only recently been blogging about baking/desserts. I like sharing my ideas with other people. I don’t really have a favorite post.

What’s your favorite cookbook for desserts/baking? What’s your favorite cookbook for savory/cooking?

I am really into Field Guide To Cookies right now, I think I baked three things from it, and I read it cover-cover! I don’t really use a cookbook for savory things, just use allrecipes.com.

Is there one food that you seriously dislike/hate? If so, which is it and why?

I am not a big fruit fan. I was never pushed to really try it as a kid, and I am growing fonder of certain fruit.

What’s your favorite flower and/or plant?

Lilies.

Do you have a favorite local restaurant? If so, why is it your favorite and what kind of food is served there?

No, I do not have a favorite restaurant.

Who taught you how to cook and/or bake?

My mother, and I went to pastry school.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving, and any holiday about food harvesting. It seems to be what brings the family together the most.

Reading any good books lately? Which ones?!

Nothing lately.

You’ve had a rough week. How do you relax after a rough week?

I listen to music that calms me and probably eat chocolate.

Where is your favorite vacation (holiday) destination?

I like the beach, and places that are tropical.

What is your favorite cooking/food related magazine? Why?

I liked Gourmet, before they stopped publishing.

Do you have a food addiction?

Chocolate.

What did you eat for dinner last night? Did you prepare it or someone else?

Chicken; I made it myself.

What kind of colors do you like? Pastels? Earth tones? Brights? Neons? Etc.

Bright colors; purple is my favorite color.

If you had the choice of a free kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom makeover – which would you choose and why?

I think kitchen, though, this is of course assuming that I own my house…

The Martha – Angel of Domestication or Minion of Evil? Why?

somewhere in-between.

Do you watch any competitive cooking shows? Like Top Chef or Hell’s Kitchen? If so, which is your favorite and why?

I like watching Top Chef.

What’s your favorite “sweet” spice? How about your favorite “savory” spice?

I like vanilla and cinnamon.

If you could eat in any celebrity chef’s restaurant which restaurant would it be, and which chef owns it?

Not sure.

What’s your favorite herb to cook or bake with? Do you prefer fresh or dried?

I like rosemary, and basil, either dried or fresh is fine.

Is there one recipe on your blog that you would like to share with us? If so, leave the link here.

I would like to share them all, please refer to the blog address at the top of the survey.

Do you have a time saving kitchen tip you’d like to share with us?

Clean as you go, it helps de-clutter your brain as well as the space.

You can visit Ariel on her blog Having My Cake and Sharing It 2