Hulu’s “Cookie, Cupcake, Cake,”<\/a> which featured celebrity bakers Buddy Valastro, best known for his run on the reality series “Cake Boss,” and cookbook author\/TV personality Samantha Seneviratne.<\/p>\nOrtega, who’s all about combining traditional skills with bold creativity as well as infusing nostalgic influences, the competition was both a learning experience as well as a challenge. It also pushed him artistically as he learned from his teammate, a pastry chef in Yorkshire.<\/p>\n
“It was really cool to put both of our different skills and knowledge together,” said Ortega. “It was also rewarding to see how much our personalities meshed.<\/p>\n
“I came away with a whole new friend group and an appreciation for how far apart you can be in miles and still have so much in common.”<\/p>\n\n\nYonkers native (and Scarsdale baker) Andy Ortega poses on the “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,” Season 2 set, on the Food Network.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
First, though, he had to compete against them and see who got eliminated. Along with him and Rose, teams includedAlex Madrigal\u00a0(Playa Del Carmen, Mexico) and\u00a0Jenny Chambers\u00a0(Salisbury, UK); Angel Figueroa\u00a0(Denver, CO) and\u00a0Rui Mota\u00a0(Lisbon, Portugal);\u00a0Caitlin Taylor(Bowie, MD) and\u00a0Jaleesa Mason\u00a0(Bloomfield, NJ);\u00a0Heather Tocco(Rochester, MI) and\u00a0Kate Sigel(Nashville, TN);Marj Santaromana\u00a0(Richmond, VA) and\u00a0Sarah Arnold\u00a0(Charleston, SC);\u00a0Molly Robbins<\/strong>\u00a0(Lancashire, UK) and\u00a0Priya Winsor\u00a0(St. Albert, Alberta, Canada); andJujhar Mann(Surrey, BC, Canada) and\u00a0Katie Bonzer\u00a0(Orlando, FL).<\/p>\nIn the grand finale, teams make a showpiece that celebrates the\u00a0“Goblet of Fire”\u00a0in a nod to the 20th\u00a0anniversary of the fourth film before winning a trophy and being crowned the\u00a0Wizards of Baking. Despite knowing the ending, Ortega can’t reveal too much.<\/p>\n
Nor can he say whether he came away with a sorthing hat, a robe or a wand. “You’re going to have to watch to find out,” he said.<\/p>\n
What he did disclose, however, was that the experience, for which he spent a month in London this past June, was beyond rewarding and made him a better baker. “This opportunity helped me find new ways to express my talents and really pushed and inspired me,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s just one more reason I love what I do.”<\/p>\n
Looking for more food and lifestyle content?<\/h2>\n Want more details on dining and entertainment in the lower Hudson Valley? My weekly newsletter is free \u2014 and often includes behind-the-scenes info I don’t always share in my stories. Sign up at\u00a0profile.lohud.com\/newsletters\/manage<\/a>.<\/p>\nJeanne Muchnick<\/a>\u00a0covers food and dining. Click\u00a0 here<\/a>\u00a0for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram\u00a0 @jeannemuchnick<\/a>\u00a0or via the\u00a0 lohudfood newsletter<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nThis article originally appeared on Rockland\/Westchester Journal News: Westchester NY baker competes on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking show<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n