BAKING DYNAMO WINS MESA ’ S FIRST-EVER KIDS

BAKING COMPETITION

By Angie Fenton Photos by Christian Watson ydia Sprigler rushed into MESA , A Collaborative Kitchen in downtown Louisville , her face flushed , hair pulled back into a tight ponytail , carrying the now-cold sweet bread she ’ d baked to audition for the venue ’ s inaugural Kids Baking Competition .

The Highland Hills Middle

School student had just come from volleyball practice , recalled her mother Adrienne Sprigler , and was surrounded by budding chefs 8- to 13 years old carrying their own freshlybaked versions of delectable breads , eager to impress the judges .

Then , the auditions began – and Lydia was selected to go first .

Despite serving up a cold version of her sweet bread and arriving straight from her athletic practice , the judges were impressed with her knowledge and passion . When they whittled down the group of 30 hopefuls , Lydia soon learned she had been selected to compete in the first round along with five other competitors .

In the initial round , the 13-year-old and her peers created cookies by scratch in front of a live audience . Judges , attendees and online voters picked Lydia and three others the best bakers of the evening .

In round two , the four creative cooks each baked 24 donuts from their favorite recipe in 1.5 hours . At the end of the night , Lydia – along with her peers Jayla and Sierra – advanced to the finale .

Round three , the final leg of the competition , required each baker to produce 24 cupcakes and once again wow the judges , those voting online and the live audience at MESA , 216 Pearl St ., where the contest had been hosted . Hundreds of people watched the finale via Facebook Live , many sending comments of support for their favorite competitor . ( This writer observed the girls in person and was impressed by all three .)

When the finale was finished , each baker received comments from the judges , including constructive criticism and helpful advice . “ Lydia , you ’ ve been smashing it every single week –

• The 13-year-old Floyds Knobs resident is the daughter of Adrienne and Chris Sprigler , has a brother , Harrison , 16 , a black lab named Mae , a mini schnauzer named Junie and a dwarf hamster named pipsqueak .

• Lydia will enter the 8th grade when school starts and is an all A student . She enjoys art classes but could “ do without health and PE .”

• When it comes to eating out , Lydia enjoys Bella Roma , Israel ’ s Delicias De Mexico Gourmet , Come Back Inn , Olive Garden and Berry Twist and Adrienne & Co . Bakery and Café for desserts .

• Lydia is a gifted athlete who enjoys volleyball . But her other interests include all things craft . “ I ’ m pretty crafty . I have a craft room . I ’ m pretty much crafty , sporty and I like to bake . I like snuggling with my dogs . And I have a trampoline too . That ’ s what I like to do .”

• Lydia ’ s love of baking began with her grandma , Terri Sprigler . “ I bake with her all the time . It was kind of like ‘ Karate Kid ’ where she was training me .”

• “ Go out and try it . If I didn ’ t win this competition , I would probably keep baking . If you like ( some thing ), try it . Keep practicing and go after your dreams . Just do what makes you happy . You have one life and just live it to the fullest .”

JUNE / JULY 2018 : EXTOL 83