Rita Vathje | GCBS Baker Bio
Rita Vathje, 60 (she/her)
Hometown: Calgary, Alta.
Occupation: Retired
Instagram: @ritas_flour_garden
Rita is all about having fun. She keeps an active social schedule in retirement, spending time with her church group and water aerobics pals between trips to Austria to visit her daughter and grandkids. She enters the baking tent in homage to her late mother, who was a huge fan of the show.
Baking has been a consistent hobby throughout Rita's life and she became known for her beautifully iced sugar cookies, which she mastered to fundraise for her daughter to compete in skeleton at the World Winter Games. At home, Rita prepares smoked meat every week and plays a competitive daily game of cribbage with her husband, with the loser doing the dishes.
When did you start baking? I don't remember a time when I didn't bake! I started baking when I was little, helping my mom with whatever she was putting together. Whether it was cookies, quick breads, cakes or pie, I was around to help.
What's your signature bake? Decorated sugar cookies.
What is your fondest memory in the kitchen? Designing my kitchen renovation to be a great and happy place to bake.
Why do you think you can be Canada's Best Amateur Baker? All the practicing!
Watch The Great Canadian Baking Show on CBC Gem.
