North Bellmore baker is a 'Sweet Genius'

Baking and sharing recipes has long been a tradition in Rose Fuger’s family. Fuger, who co-owns A Taste of Home Bakery in North Bellmore with her sister Monica Tarantino, recently shared her recipes and love of baking with a whole new audience.

The baker of more than 35 years appeared on Food Network’s “Sweet Genius,” a baking competition show. As the head baker at A Taste of Home, Fuger is accustomed to cooking on a large scale and constantly switching around her menu as customers’ needs and wants change. So, when she found out she would appear on “Sweet Genius,” she knew that she would have to scale down her recipes to accommodate smaller portions.

Before she learned that she would be one of four contestants on the show, Fuger had to go through three interviews, which included a two-hour phone interview and an on-camera taping. Fuger received two weeks’ notice that she had made it onto the show, giving her 14 days to prepare for the taping, which took place in January at a studio in Manhattan.

The show was shot over two days. To prepare for it, Fuger memorized a number of recipes. “Baking is a science. If you leave something out, you’re in trouble,” she said.

The show, which is hosted by Chef Ron Ben-Israel, comprises three rounds. Each has required ingredients that the bakers must include in their desserts. During round one, the contestants had to use hot dog buns as an ingredient, and Fuger made a pan-fried bread pudding. She said the mystery ingredients were wild cards, adding a sense of thrill to the competition. “It’s kind of fun in a way, but the clock is nerve-racking,” she said.

Fuger did not come away with the $10,000 grand prize, but said she has no regrets about doing the show. The long-time baker said that participating on “Sweet Genius” forced her to push her limits, which she is always willing to do. Fuger has struggled for many years with a neurological disease that often makes her weak in the arms and legs. Despite that setback, she has never considered putting down her mixer. “I don’t let any excuse hold me back from doing what I want to do,” she said.