Interview with Finalist Sabrina Degni from CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show

All photos courtesy Sabrina Degni and/or The Great Canadian Baking Show

Oh how wonderful to interview contestant AND finalist Sabrina Degni from The Great Canadian Baking Show! With the finale around the corner, lets find out more about her experience on the show before it comes to an end. Don’t forget! The finale is this Wednesday December 20th at 8 pm/8:30NT on CBC.

What inspired you to apply to The Great Canadian Baking Show Sabrina?

I actually had a coworker send me the link for the application. I laughed it off and then decided why not try it out. I at first did it for shits and giggles… really not thinking anything would come out from applying. But here I am… a finalist on GCBS🙈.

What homemade treat got you onto the show?

I made sfogliatelle (the Italian version of a lobster tail). I made a cinnamon ricotta filling with some candied orange peels, served with some candied orange slices.

Did being the youngest contestant help you on the show or was it a challenge?

When I first walked into the tent and met the other contests I thought to myself ,“Well this is nice, I’ll at least get to bake with everyone before I get kicked off first round.” Knowing that they were older and had way more experience than me was extremely intimidating. Soon after we were done with the first bakes/judging my nerves slowly faded away and I thought I may just have a shot at this.

What have you been most proud of so far when it comes to the bakes you have made for the show?

I am extremely proud that I got to step out of my comfort zone. I have always stood by what I am good at… Italian baking. I think everyone saw that when I was not particularly interested in the bake I did not do so well but I am extremely happy I got to try out all sorts of different recipes. Croquembouche was a bake I was pretty terrified of. When I practiced at home it did not work out… AT ALL… but the tent is a magical place.

Does your family watch every episode together with you?

We have video parties for every episode at my house. Friends and family come over and enjoy baked goods (a bake from that week) while watching the episodes. I would say we are usually anywhere between 25-35 people.

Who is your greatest supporter?

This is such a hard question to answer. I have so many family members and friends who have supported me since day one. I am so lucky to have each and every one of these lovely people supporting me every step of the way. But if I had to choose I would have to say my parents and both sets of grandparents are my biggest supporters.

What do you still have to learn when it comes to baking?

I feel that even though I do excel in certain types of baked goods it will always be a learning process. To this day I keep learning new tips and tricks that have helped me out immensely. From the day I walked into the tent, to today, I have better knowledge about the baking world. Bruno and Rochelle as well as the bakers have taught me so very much. I am very appreciative of that.

What do you consider your forte in the kitchen?

CUPCAKES!!!!! Cupcakes cupcakes cupcakes!! I have a slight obsession if you haven’t been able to tell. I’ve always called myself a cupcake also… Short and stubby and full of fun.

If you could bake for anyone, who would it be?

I would absolutely love to bake for Buddy Valastro! I have always been such a huge fan of him and cake boss. A close second would be Candice Brown! It would be a dream to bake for her or bake along with her.

What was the greatest challenge about being on the show?

The greatest challenge for me was not so much the baking itself but more so being away from my family for so long. Although I did speak to my family every day it was a little bit of a struggle to go from living with a crazy Italian family to a quiet lonely hotel room.

Has being on the show helped make you a better graphic designer?

I have been a graphic designer longer than I’ve been a baker. I would not say I’ve become a better designer. My graphic design background has actually helped me immensely at having a better eye on my bakes. I am more of a hands-on kind of girl… and seeing my vision come to life is absolutely incredible.

Is there a cookbook in your future?

No plans yet for a cookbook… but I would not turn down any such opportunity should it come my way. I would love to share my recipes with everyone.