by Jessica Arndt
Lake Havasu City, July 28, 2024 – The air was filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked sourdough as the 1st Annual Sourdough Bake-Off, organized by I LOVE Lake Havasu, kicked off with palpable excitement and a promise of unforgettable flavors. Among the 24 tantalizing entries, it was Carley Iasparro who truly stole the show, winning three coveted awards: Best Ear, Best Classic, and Best In Show. Her extraordinary achievements not only showcased her exceptional baking skills but also made her the star of this inaugural event, which raised an impressive $480 for Lake Havasu’s Food Bank.
“I am still shocked that I won 3 different categories, including Best In Show!” Carley exclaimed, her excitement palpable. “I truly cannot express enough gratitude! Hearing positive feedback from my customers and family is wonderful, but to win the whole sourdough competition is just amazing and so rewarding.”
Carley, a dedicated mother of two and wife, attributed her success to her heartfelt baking process. “There was nothing I did differently for the competition than what I do for my customers. I just baked my loaves with passion, love, and prayer.”
Her meticulous approach to sourdough is as impressive as her results. “My process takes 4 days from start to finish,” Carley explained. “I feel that this long process gives my loaves extra flavor and health benefits from the extended fermentation. I also took the week before the competition to get my starter nice and healthy.”
Despite battling self-doubt and nerves, Carley’s perseverance and family support carried her through. “My husband reminded me to stick to what I know, and prayer helped calm my anxiety,” she shared. She offers this advice to future sourdough bakers: “Whether you’re a home baker, cottage baker, or bakery owner, I encourage you to enter the competition. Embrace it as a learning experience and don’t let doubts hold you back. You might be surprised by what you can achieve!”
The highlight of the day for Carley was the moment when the winners were announced. “Waiting for the results was nerve-wracking. When I first saw that I won Best Ear, I was thrilled but hoped my bread would be recognized for its quality too. Seeing my name for Best Classic was exhilarating, and when they announced Best In Show, I couldn’t believe it! We were all jumping up and down. It was a memory I will never forget.”
You can catch Carley at her regular pop-up events at the Small Business Event, held on the third Saturday of every month at The Kaws from 9 AM to 1 PM. She also appears at Havasu Olive and Garlic Company and offers porch pickups occasionally. Stay up-to-date with her latest events and delicious offerings by following her on Instagram at @mamassourdoughlhc. Her next event is the Small Business Event on August 17th, but be sure to arrive early as her sourdough sells out fast!
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