AUSTIN, Texas — The Australian bushfires continue to burn through the country’s southeastern coast, destroying thousands of homes, killing several people and over a billion animals.
- Baked goods to be sold at city-wide bake sale
- Proceeds go to charity
- Goal is to help those affected by bushfires in Australia
Now, it's slowly inching its way to the country’s capital, Canberra, threatening more lives and property.
While Texas is over 10,000 miles away, people have found different ways to help those affected. Among them are bakers who are throwing in their support by doing what they do best.
Photo of sweets at Crema Bakery & Cafe (Victoria Maranan/Spectrum News)
Jessica Tomberlin of Crema Bakery & Café worked her magic decorating her business’ famous sugar cookies to look like koalas.
“Personally, Australia’s always been in my bucket list of wanting to go. I just can’t imagine all the human and animal suffering that’s happening there,” she said. “It’s unimaginable for most of us.”
Tomberlin's cookies, along with hundreds — possibly thousands — of baked goods throughout Austin, will be sold at Austin Bakes’ city-wide bake sale Saturday, to benefit those affected by the wildfires down under. Tomberlin is one of Austin Bakes’ longtime volunteers.
Photo of Crema Bakery & Cafe owner, Jessica Tomberlin (Victoria Maranan/Spectrum News)
“The charity we chose to raise money for is called Global Giving. It’s actually supporting both wildlife relief and human,” Tomberlin explained. “I just feel for that. I’m a mother and a business owner who helps take care of a lot of people here and I just feel like it’s all of our responsibility to help each other.”
“Food is love and food is something that we can all communicate through. So, being able to feed your neighbors and at the same time, helping people across the world is a really magical thing,” she added.
Overall, Austin Bakes has raised $85,000 for the causes it has supported — including Hurricane Harvey — which was still the biggest to date.
If you would like to volunteer, click here. You don’t need to be a professional or expert baker to help. In fact, Austin Bakes also needs people to make signs and help at their stands.
Photo of cherry chocolate chip cookies made by Todd Boatwright (Spectrum News)
Cherry Chocolate Chip Recipe (from Delish)
- 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 c. chocolate chips
- 3/4 c. chopped maraschino cherries
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350° and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into wet ingredients then fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
- Using a large cookie scoop, scoop cookies onto prepared baking sheets and bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes.