On the Job Ready

ON THE JOB

Holiday Ready

This local baker is gearing up for pie season.

BY TIM PORTER

YOU THINK YOU’RE busy cooking for the holidays? Forget it. You could be Miriam de Leon. She and her staff andmake nearly 400 apple, pumpkin and pecan holiday pies as well as the 600 other pieces of baked goods they produce on weekends. Were you a baker in Guatemala? No, I was a preschool teacher, but during my training they offered me a class in baking and I said, “No, I’m not interested in that. Not at all.” I thought I was never going to need it. And look at me now. When did you start here? September 1, 2007. I was 19 and I had just Miriam de Leon, bakery manager, come from Guatemala and an ex-teacher of mine was working Rustic Bakery, 1139 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, rusticbakery.com here. She said, “I have a job for you.” Whoa, I said, “can I take a few days to rest?” No, she said, “you have to start now.” I started right away as a dishwasher. That’s hard work. I remember telling my teacher how hard it was and she told me to be patient and something would come up and it did. When did you start baking? A few months later. I started helping Carol (Levalley, Rustic Bakery founder) with the baking on the weekends and one day she asked me if I was interested in learning how to bake croissants. Now, I make croissants, scones, muffins, focaccia rolls, different kinds of cookies and pies. Have any favorites? I love the blueberry oat scone and the chocolateraspberry croissant. What are your hours? Normally, I come at 5 and work 10 hours four days a week, but during October, November, December, I work around 12 hours a day, five or six days a week. Any pie-making secrets? For apple pie, peel the apples right before you use them and don’t soak them in water. Otherwise the pie will have a lot of water. The crust? After mixing, you want little chunky pieces of butter remaining in the dough. Don’t over-mix. Anything else? Flour the pan before you add the dough. Then the pie will slide out easily when you cut it. What do you like about your job? I love to make croissants. Making croissants makes me happy every day. Have you ever eaten a croissant in Paris? No, but I’d like to. Oh, one day. Maybe, you never know. Are you ready for the holidays? I think I am. I think so. m

Doctor’s Advice for Holiday-Ready Skin

‘Tis the season of holiday parties and family functions! But dry winter weather, late nights and over-indulgence can take their toll on your complexion. To put your “best face” forward this month, we asked beauty expert, Dr. Karron Power, for her top tips for glowing skin!

Are there any skin care products that you just can’t live without?

”I never go a day without my TNS Recovery Complex.

This red gel contains growth factors that increase collagen production and improve elastin quality in the skin. I pair it with the PowerMD Triple Power Protect antioxidant to prevent free radical damage and banish cold weather redness and irritation. Only reindeers look cute with red noses!” “New treatments combine growth hormone stimulators with powerful laser treatments to prime the skin’s collagenproducing cells for faster recovery and better results.”

TNS Recovery Complex $172; PowerMD Triple Power Protect $73

What’s the latest laser technology for better skin?

“There is a laser for practically everything now, so it’s important to separate the science from the hype. I am most excited about Cutera’s new Excel-V laser. It’s a game-changer in the treatment of brown spots, spider veins and diffuse edness – either on the face or the body.

To smooth fine lines and impove texture and tone, I depend on the power of the ClarO2 fractional resurfacing laser. It remains the “gold standard” for skin rejuvenation.

Help! I want to look my best before this weekend’s holiday party! Is there anything that can make me look younger ASAP?

“Over the years, cheeks hollow out and skin falls forward to create folds, lines and shadows around the nose and mouth. Voluma restores cheek volume for a natural lift and a younger, more vibrant look.

Treatment takes minutes and the effects are immediate – perfect timing for the hectic holiday season!”

“If you are looking for immediate results, Juvederm Voluma delivers!”

Dr. Power’s Top Tips for soft skin this season:

1. Hydration: Winter cold, indoor heating, and over-indulging have a dehydrating effect on skin. Combat dull skin by using a gentle cleanser that won’t strip natural oils and follow with a moisture-locking hyaluronic acid serum. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water! PowerMD Daily Dew

Face Wash $33; PowerMD Pure Blue

Hydration $69 2. Supplements: Omega-3 supplements reduce inflammtion and combat dry winter skin. Give hair and nails get the extra strength they need with a keratin and biotin-rich growth support supplement. PowerMD PrOmega $56;

Grow Power Hair, Skin, Nails $42 3. Exercise: In addition to the many benefits o your mind and body; exercise also improves your complexion. Sweating improves skin circulation and helps the skin detoxify impurities. So get your blood moving every day for a glow that shows from the inside out! 4. Rest: Getting your “beauty sleep” is important. For a better night’s sleep, dim your lights and stay off eletronic devices for one hour before bed. Still can’t sleep? Herbal remedies that contain Valerian Root and supplements that contain the sleep-signal GABA can work wonders. PowerMD REM Power $44; PowerMD Mood Soothe $51

LOOK & FEEL FOREVER YOUNG