Hasbro's EASY-BAKE Brand Selects Finalists for Its 2009 "Baker of the Year" Contest at WDW

(April 7, 2009) After searching America's kitchens since last summer, Hasbro, Inc. today announced the names of the seven talented child bakers selected to participate in the EASY-BAKE 2009 "Baker of the Year" contest finals. Representing different states across the country, the seven finalists will be flown to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, where they will compete for the title of EASY-BAKE 2009 "Baker of the Year" on May 7, 2009.

"We were impressed by the caliber of recipes that we received for the EASY-BAKE 2009 'Baker of the Year' Contest that it was difficult to choose just seven finalists!" said Kim Losey, Senior Brand Manager Global Marketing and Development, for Hasbro's EASY-BAKE Brand. "The kids participating in the finals really stood out - not only were their recipes outstanding but we were equally impressed by the amount of time, thought, and creativity put forth by each of them."

"We are so excited for the EASY-BAKE 2009 ‘Baker of the Year’ contest finals - the overwhelming interest and response to this year's contest just reinforces the fact that the EASY-BAKE brand continues to win the hearts of children and parents," Losey concluded.

Being chosen as a finalist in the EASY-BAKE 2009 "Baker of the Year" was not a "piece of cake." Contestants entered their favorite original recipes using one or more EASY-BAKE mixes. Entries were submitted online at www.easybake.com or via mail with a photo featuring their creation, themselves, and their "sous chef." All EASY-BAKE 2009 “Baker of the Year” contest entries were judged based on creative use of ingredients, presentation, ease of preparation, and taste.

Each finalist will be assisted in the kitchen throughout the competition by their baking “sous chef" - a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle.

Meet the Finalists (in alphabetical order):

• Drew Adams: Drew, 9 years old from Elizabeth, West Virginia, hopes to bring home the title for his mouth-watering "Strawberry PB and J Cake." This delectable dessert transforms an EASY-BAKE yellow cake mix into one of America's favorite after school snacks. Drew's competition hits close to home, as his sister Elizabeth is also a finalist. Drew will be joined in the kitchen by his father Roger.
• Elizabeth Adams: The love of baking runs deep in Elizabeth's family as her brother Drew is also a finalist in the contest. The 12-year-old from Elizabeth, West Virginia hopes to turn taste buds topsy-turvy with her fruity "EASY Pineapple Upside Down Cake." This recipe transforms an EASY-BAKE yellow cake mix into a tropical delight complete with crushed pineapple, brown sugar and a maraschino cherry. Elizabeth's mother Angela will act as her "sous chef."
• MaCall Prengel: MaCall, 10 years old, is from Olympia, Washington. Her entry "S'mores Snacks/Chocolaty Peanut Butter" is two exceptional treats rolled into one. The combination of sticky marshmallow, creamy chocolate and gooey peanut butter will have judges asking for "s'more." MaCall will have a helping hand in the kitchen from her mom Danelle.
• Catherine Ralston: Catherine's "Queen of Hearts Strawberry Tart" promises "love at first bite." The mouth watering marriage of fresh strawberries and EASY-BAKE sugar cookie mix is sure to set hearts aflutter. This 12-year-old pastry aficionado hails from New Albany, Ohio and will be assisted by her "sous chef" mom Teresa.
• Morgan Sartor: The judges will go nuts for 8-year-old Morgan's savory "Chocolate Peanutbutter Blitz." The Portland, Connecticut native combines an EASY-BAKE double chocolate chip cookie mix, EASY-BAKE chocolate frosting, peanut butter, and strawberries to create a lip-smacking after dinner treat. This budding baker will have her mother Tricia by her side in the kitchen.
• Taylor Spallanzani: Taylor is 11 years old and a resident of Morganville, New Jersey. She is hoping the judges will fall for her "Pumpkin Surprise," a culinary treat that features EASY-BAKE chocolate cake mix, pumpkin filling, and cream cheese. To round out her recipe, Taylor transforms the white cream cheese into the perfect shade of orange. Taylor will be joined in the kitchen by mother Diane.
• Hannah Toomey: An 11-year-old aspiring baker from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Hannah's "Chocolate Raspberry Cake" is a fruit lover's delight. This berry sweet afterschool treat utilizes EASY-BAKE devils food cake mix, raspberry preserves, vanilla frosting, and a myriad of pink and purple sprinkles. Hannah will have a helping hand in the kitchen from her mom Diane.

During the EASY-BAKE 2009 “Baker of the Year” finals, contestants will once again be judged on creative use of ingredients, presentation, ease of preparation, and taste. The grand prize winning pair in the EASY-BAKE 2009 "Baker of the Year" contest will receive a culinary-inspired trip for four to San Francisco, CA, where the group will visit local food-related sites and attractions. The six runners-up will each receive a $500 VISA gift card and a one-year supply of EASY-BAKE Brand mixes. All finalists will have their recipe and a photo of their creation appear on the EASY-BAKE website.

For additional details on the EASY-BAKE 2009 “Baker of the Year” contest and the official rules and conditions, log onto www.easybake.com.

About The EASY-BAKE Classic Oven & Snack Center
Since 1963, Hasbro's EASY-BAKE Oven has been cooking up culinary inspiration in hearts and homes across America. The beloved EASY-BAKE Oven & Snack Center is back in its original aqua color! The classic side-loading oven that bakes with a light bulb returns to let bakers-in-the-making whip up tasty snacks for friends and family, including cakes, brownies, cookies, and much more. The oven comes with three different mixes, two baking pans, two utensils, a pan pusher, two warming cups and recipes/instructions. One 100-watt standard light bulb is required but not included.

-- Posted April 7, 2009