For Neufeld, baking has been her hobby since she was 4. Her grandparents, Priscila Cueva and Roddy Cueva, raised her with family recipes, instilling in her a love for cooking and baking. She brought her love for the kitchen to Coppell when her family moved from Bismarck, N.D. when she was 7.
“[Taking the cakes out of the oven] is the most satisfying feeling,” Neufeld said. “You spent so much time in the kitchen, you're sweating and finally it turned out good, so you're just proud of yourself.”
Among various types of desserts she can make, her two favorite recipes are banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, which was perfected in January.
“[My best memory with baking is] definitely the enjoyment people have when they try [food] you made with your hands,” Neufeld said. “My chocolate chip cookie recipe is so easy, but it's so good and it really impresses people.”
Apart from watching YouTube videos and experiencing different foods from cultures, Neufeld develops her culinary skills by forming good relationships with bakers and chefs. In June 2020, after being recommended by “MasterChef Junior” third season contestant Ryan Kate, she judged entries for the Teen Pastry Lab baking competition in Coppell.
In the past, when she was 11, Neufeld competed insSeason five of “Kids Baking Championship” and got to the semi finalist. She also competed in Season nine of “Chopped Junior” when she was 12 and got to the finalist.
“The ability to cook and bake really well helped me get far in both shows,” Neufeld said. “The practice and repetition of doing it at home helped me [as well].”
Neufeld brought home not only her experiences from competing in those competitions, but also her memories of going out for dinner and hanging out with other contestants from the “Kids Baking Championship.”
“It was such a fun experience,” Neufeld said. “A lot of people thought I was nervous, but it was more fun than anything. You would wake up, get on a bus to the studio’s room that was just for the kids.”
Being an important part of Neufeld’s baking journey, her mother Valentina Neufeld has always supported and provided advice when needed.
“She's so creative and usually has fancy-looking dishes and they’re always so good,” Mrs. Neufeld said. “I'm always excited when she makes beef dishes. They’re very tasty and more savory.”
NTH@C freshman Elena Aguila has been Issi’s best friend since sixth grade and supports Issi with her baking dream.
“She’s a very enthusiastic person,” Aguila said. “She’s a great friend to have and always helps me out whenever I need her. [Baking] is something she enjoys doing. Her Instagram posts are mainly about baking and that might be what she wants to do later on after high school.”
Credits:
Photos by Angelina Liu and Tracy Tran