Sour Cherry Coffee Cake
Plus, a grand exit and a visit with an old friend!
Well, I’ve done it, I sold my house in MN and bought a new one across the country (more on that later). So, my life is a complete whirlwind of packing boxes, while also testing pie recipes for my upcoming book (more on that later as well). To say there is chaos in my home is a grand understatement!!
I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that I will pull out of my Minneapolis driveway for the very last time in less than a month. My dearest friends, the very best neighbors and family, my beautiful home—the place I became a mom and raised my boys—the restaurants where I started baking professionally, and the town and talent that inspired my TV show will all be in the rearview mirror. That’s a lot to say goodbye to. I’m so lucky to have called Minneapolis home for over 30 years and have created so many beautiful memories here.
During this ginormous transition I will be weaving some posts into the newsletter lineup that revisit my friends who have shared recipes with me and checking in with them to see what they are up to. Lots of delicious content and next chapters abound.
First up: Annie Paul
You may remember Annie from the Silos Baking Competition on Magnolia Network, where I was a judge, along with Joanna Gaines and Andrew Zimmern. It was such a joy to watch all the bakers create their sweets and Annie’s delicious bars won. Not only did her baking impress us, but she is such a delight. We stayed in touch after the show and I have loved watching her wonderful baking business grow and her beautiful family thrive.
Update from Annie
Lately, my little bakery has remained busy stocking our various farm stands and wholesale accounts in my local area. I have also taken on a few custom orders that excite me and push my culinary skills. Last fall, I was able to bake with Brad Leone from the Bon Appétit test kitchen. I continue to juggle a lot of plates with baking, running a business, and being a mom of two. One of my biggest joys is simple; I just love the kitchen, and creating recipes is truly my passion. Personally, I have been spending time with my little ones and husband exploring our natural world and making lasting memories in our kitchen. —Annie
Here is a look back at my original interview with Annie, plus her amazing recipe for Sour Cherry Coffee Cake for paid “Extras” subscribers. Enjoy! xo —Zoë
A Q&A with Annie Paul + Sour Cherry Coffee Cake Recipe
I remember watching Annie walk onto the set of Silos Baking Competition and worrying that her nerves may get the best of her. I read her all wrong. Her quiet grace was misconstrued as timidity but was really a humble-but-mighty command of her craft. She methodically built her summer fruit bars and never wavered from her course. When some of the other bakers lost confidence and started over, Annie offered encouragement and even left her own station to boost morale. To be honest, we judges were worried about her calm under pressure and wondered if she’d finish in time. If you’ve seen the show, you know the ending, and boy did she finish and with a delicious strawberry bar that spoke to my heart and soul as a baker. Her execution was top notch and the flavors were just right. She was calm because she had total confidence in her kitchen. When you read her story below, you’ll come to understand that she can probably do absolutely anything she puts her mind to. This competition is just one of many conquering moments for Annie and I’m so thrilled for her.
You sold it! I am going to miss your glorious kitchen, but I can't wait to see what your next chapter holds. If you need a kitchen to cook in for recipe testing while the house is in chaos, just let me know
Wishing you every success! Been where you are right now, and it's amazing what new adventures await. BTW, just printed off that recipe to give it a go this week. Can't wait. 😍