SUGAR & SPICE
Co-owner of local cookie shop takes the spotlight tonight on Food Network
Kristin Dowling enjoys the many challenges in life.
As co-owner of Albuquerque-based Rude Boy Cookies, there’s the challenge of having a constant deadline in creating the sweet treats.
Little did she know that it would prepare her for her time on the Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge.”
“It was so scary,” she says of being on the show. “Being in front of cameras was what scared me. I bake under pressure all the time at work with large orders. But now I’m going to be seen by millions of people. That’s what is scary.”
Dowling’s episode airs at 8 tonight on Food Network.
The premise for the show is simple — four talented cookie makers are given a theme, then some time to make cookies. There are two rounds judged by Damiano Carrara, Ree Drummond and Jamika Pessoa. After the two rounds are over, one baker remains the victor. Oh, not to mention a $10,000 check.
Dowling was cold-called by Food Network producers about appearing on the show a few months ago.
It took about two months of Skype interviews and recipe tests before she was selected for the show.
When it was time to participate in the episode, she was flown to New Orleans for a couple days — one of those was a long day of filming.
It was there she competed against four other bakers with the theme of “Spice Up Your Christmas.”
“It was perfect for this New Mexico girl,” she says with a laugh. “I couldn’t have been on a more perfect episode because I like spices.”
Dowling was born in California but grew up in Farmington and Albuquerque.
Before becoming co-owner of Rude Boy Cookies with Mike Silva about three and a half years ago, she was a culinary student.
And her love for making cuisine has been lifelong.
“I’ve always loved spending time in the kitchen,” she says. “I went straight from culinary school to owning my own business. It’s been a learning experience for sure.”
Dowling would participate in another competition if it came around because she had a great experience.
“I got an opportunity to be around people who have the same passion as I do,” she says. “It was amazing to be in a competition with them.”
To celebrate Dowling’s episode, Rude Boy Cookies will host a viewing party from 7:30-9 tonight at Rob’s Place at O’Neil’s Pub in Nob Hill, 4310 Central SE, Suite C.