Saxton has developed passion for baking

Saxton has developed passion for baking

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Penny Saxton started baking birthday cakes for her sons, and baking eventually turned into one of her biggest passions.

Growing up, Penny Saxton would watch different cooking shows such as those featured on Food Network. Saxton is a health-conscious cook. When her sons Marc, Parker and Will were growing up, Saxton would make their birthday cakes from scratch. 

"I started making their birthday cakes from scratch to be able to control the amount of sugar and butter going into the cakes," Saxton said. 

From learning how to make the birthday cakes from scratch, Saxton decided that baking was therapeutic for her. An ideal day for Saxton would be tuning into true-crime podcasts and baking cakes or cookies. 

Saxton's love of making cakes inspired her to start selling her cookies and cakes to the community. She created an Instagram accout and named it cookiesandcakes_by_penelope. 

Saxton has catered different events such as anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, baby baptisms, holiday baking and fair baking. 

Some of the items that can be seen on her page are elegant almond layered cakes and iced sugar cookies. The cakes and cookies she makes for the public are also made by hand. 

Saxton is a self-taught baker. 

"Pinterest helps a lot," Saxton said.

Saxton's goal is to bake full-time when she retires. 

Saxton is a second-grade teacher in the Philadelphia Public School District. Her love of children and her love of being a mother made her want to be a teacher. Saxton's sons have all grown up. Two are still in college, and the other is out of college.

"We always get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas," Saxton said. 

Saxton is originally from Indianola and moved to Philadelphia in 2001. In 2003, Saxton left Philadelphia and moved back in 2008. 

Saxton cooks two to three large meals for meals prepping lunch and dinner during the week in the school year. In Summertime, however, Saxton loves eating fresh salads and produce. She also likes planting flowers.

BOY’S FAVORITE OREO TRIFLE

1 bag Oreos crushed 

1 box of cream cheese pudding (prepare using directions on box)

1-1.5 C heavy whipping cream (whipped to soft peak) 

prepared brownies cut into small cubes

Fold together pudding and whipped cream in a large bowl. In a trifle, place ⅓ of the crushed Oreos on the bottom of it. Scoop enough cream mixture to have a good enough layer to cover cookies. Top with brownies. Repeat two more times. Chill until ready to serve. Can be made the day before.

MRS. GRIFFITH’S PARTY PIZZA

2 lbs Velveeta cheese

2 lbs sausage

12 oz tomato sauce

2 tsp oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

Pepperidge Rye party bread

Fry sausage until fully cooked. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. In a large microwave safe bowl, melt Velveeta in the microwave following package directions. Add cooked sausage along with the remaining ingredients. Microwave for 3-4 more minutes, stirring halfway through. Cool mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Spread onto bread and bake 5 minutes on 300 degrees. 

PENELOPE’S TACOS

2 lbs ground meat of choice

1 24 oz jar of salsa

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

1 can corn drained

4 TB homemade taco seasoning (or 2 packages of taco seasoning)

shells/tortillas

Topping options: lettuce, cheese, pickled onion, fresh onion, sour cream, diced tomatoes, guacamole, salsa.

Brown meat and drain if needed. Add remaining ingredients. Cook until desired consistency. Prepare tacos-

Homemade taco seasoning: 1 TB chili powder, 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp of: onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ¼ tsp salt and crushed red pepper. Place in jar, shake until combined. Store in an airtight container.  Recipe can be tripled.






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