Patty De Guia | GCBS Baker Bio
Patty De Guia, 50 (she/her)
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Occupation: Stay at Home Cat Mom
Instagram: @chubbyasiancrippledgirl
Patty brings a wicked sense of humour to the tent, returning the positivity that baking has given her. Her obsession with it began during recovery from her lower leg amputation when she started devouring cookbooks, eventually growing a collection of over 500 volumes.
She loves a traditional bake with some quirkiness and incorporating the Filipino flavours that she grew up on. Patty bakes for her three young-adult kids who have inherited her foodie gene.
A former full-time portrait photographer, Patty is now a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady. She even shares a commonality with one of her cats, Lumpia, who has only three legs. Patty's life challenges have propelled her to pursue things that scare her, from trying stand-up comedy to auditioning for the Baking Show.
When did you start baking? I was diagnosed with Stage 4 malignant melanoma when I was pregnant with my third child and unfortunately had to have my right leg amputated above the knee. When you are sick, there are many appointments and LOTS of waiting. Back then food shows were all the rage and the waiting rooms had lifestyle magazines full of recipes. I was always more interested in baking recipes despite not ever baking. I was gifted one of Ina Garten's cookbooks, tried a cookie recipe and my baking journey began.
What's your signature bake? I am known for my cake pops which I detest. They are too sweet for my liking but I've mastered them. I make my own cake and icing from scratch so they are moist compared to the average cake pop and I always make unique flavours like apple pie or coconut pineapple.
What is your fondest memory in the kitchen? Home Ec class. As a first-generation immigrant, it was my first real foray into making traditional meat and potatoes kind of food. My mind was blown that you could put cheese sauce on broccoli. To this day, it is still one of my favourite side dishes!
Why do you think you can be Canada's Best Amateur Baker? I may not have as much skill as many of the other bakers here but I sure got A LOT of determination.
Watch The Great Canadian Baking Show on CBC Gem.
