A Sweet Career by Chip Rogers
While spectators love the high-octane action that comes with a talented goal-scorer, and they can appreciate the incredible diving save made by a goalkeeper, sometimes overlooked is the artistry of a seasoned defender. Thus, it should come as no surprise that USA back, Lauren Crandall, is not only a very talented defender but a superb artist. Her medium, however, might be a surprise.
Crandall is a top-notch artist in the kitchen, specializing in baking desserts. Crandall’s journey to “Top Chef” status – at least on the team – started much like her hockey career. In fifth grade she started with a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe. It was the initial foray into baking, and from there it has taken her to a restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi and to a dream kitchen in Coronado, California, where she has continued to hone her skills.
A love of math and science and the pursuit of perfection combined with a love of cooking pushed the Pennsylvania native into a cake decorating project in high school. She baked four cakes and realized that this was her passion.
In August of 2009, Crandall had the opportunity to go to Biloxi where she was able to serve under the pastry chef at the restaurant Thirty-Two, located at the IP Resort, Casino, and Spa. While working on the 32nd floor, she plated desserts and demonstrated her creativity with every opportunity. Eventually she was asked to create her own dessert, and her selection was a cabernet sorbet that the restaurant placed on the “nightly specials” menu.
Crandall and her teammates do a lot of reminiscing about some works of art she has given her friends. Birthdays are a special time with the national team, one of the highlights being the unveiling of Crandall’s cakes. She made Claire Laubach a
Finding Nemo-themed cake that captured both personalities. Matching the creation of the cake to the individual is a special talent of Crandall’s that makes her work so meaningful while being delicious.
For Amy Tran’s wedding, Crandall made a pair of cakes. One was a “traditional” wedding cake; this particular creation was chocolate-vanilla with white fondant. Fondant is the silky finish that has no wrinkles and almost looks pasted onto the cake. It requires a steady hand and is
the hallmark of an expert baker. With her usual flair, Crandall added a groom’s cake with the Yankees’ logo, complete with pinstripes.
For Keli Smith, she created a red velvet cake that was the centerpiece of a lavish dessert table. These days Crandall loves to crank up the Alicia Key s and turn up the heat in the kitchen. Her favorite things to create include pastries from scratch and, of course, cakes.
It can’t be any more stressful than facing some of the world’s top forwards game-in and game-out, and it is certainly just as sweet.
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