A sweet aroma permeates the kitchen when a fresh batch of velvety chocolate cupcakes makes its way out of the oven. As the cupcakes cool, sophomore baker Dorothy Ballowe imagines a new design to top the warm delicacies.
Ballowe’s passion for creating innovative and mouth-watering cakes, cupcakes and pastries began when she was just five years old. She acquired her love for baking from her mother, Catherine, and learned to transform old-fashioned goodies into modern day treats. Ballowe is now the fourth generation baker on her mother’s side and uses recipes dating back to the 1930’s.

“I love baking with my mom because we bond and relax together,” said Ballowe. “Knowing that we both have the passion for baking links us together and allows us to have mother-daughter time.”

Pastries, which are very difficult to master, are one of Ballowe’s signature creations. Each pastry that she bakes from scratch is a little bit different from the next and has its own unique flare.  Ballowe strives to perfect everything and make every dish look as good as it tastes. Disneyland, a source of inspiration for Ballowe, has helped enhance her aesthetic skills in baking.

“I have always been drawn to the beautiful desserts on Main Street at Disneyland,” said Ballowe. “the magical feeling [of the environment] surrounding me along with the sweet smell of pastries has always had the power to fuel my passion for baking.”

From marshmallow Peeps to crushed peppermint pieces, Ballowe always knows the perfect way to top her goodies with interesting and eye-catching designs.

Shaped by years of quality baking  with her mother, Ballowe hopes that one day she can prosper in a bakery of her own, delivering smiles one cupcake at a time.