Mrs Berry Laker, Food Network

From MATC web Site

"MATC Instructor to Appear on The Food Network

Just in time for Thanksgiving, The Food Network’s Bobby Flay visited The Elegant Farmer, a farm kitchen, bakery and deli in Mukwonago. MATC master baking instructor Debra Socha was a key part of the visit.

Socha, who has been an MATC faculty member for 14 years, was contacted by representatives of The Food Network in mid-September to serve as an apple pie expert on the Thanksgiving special. The Elegant Farmer creates a delicious “Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag,” which was recognized as the nation’s best apple pie by The Wall Street Journal and Gourmet. The apple pie would be a featured item on the show, or so Socha thought.

Socha arrived at The Elegant Farmer, ready to share her knowledge of apples, pies and baking secrets. Upon her arrival, she and Alice in Dairyland (Ashley Huibregtse of Plymouth), the day’s other special guest, were pulled aside by the program’s producers who clued them in on the real story – that Bobby Flay would compete against The Elegant Farmer staff to see who could create the tastier apple pie.

“Our mouths dropped open and we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into,” said Socha.

Just as filming was set to get underway, The Elegant Farmer staff and loyal customers, who numbered about 80, were surprised when Flay drove onto the set in a limousine. Rather than a holiday-themed show, a “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” would be filmed that day.

“The crowd went wild!” remarked Socha. “He is a big star and for him to be in our area for a show is a really big deal.”

Flay is one of the biggest celebrities on The Food Network and “Throwdown” is one of the most popular programs. On “Throwdown,” Flay travels across the country to challenge masters in a specific style of cooking. Adding to the intrigue and fun is that the cooks believe The Food Network is featuring their restaurant, shop, or food item. Flay and the experts compete in the “Throwdown” and the gathered audience chooses the winner.

While sworn to secrecy about the show’s outcome, Socha shares that it was an unforgettable experience.

“I am anxious to see the show,” admitted Socha. “It was really fun to be a part of it and it is just great for MATC.”

To see the results, tune in to “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on The Food Network:
Thursday, Nov. 20 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 21 – 2:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 26 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 27 – 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29 – 3 p.m.

For more information on MATC’s baking production program, please visit http://matc.edu/student/offerings/bakeprod.html" Milwaukee Area Technical College - [ Socha on Food Network ]