A Taste of Haldimand – October 22, 2024

Marilyn Vanderbolt told me about her granddaughter’s love of baking. I was pleased to meet Samantha Regnerus, 13, along with her younger sister Danielle, 11. These Haldimand girls are the daughters of Andrea and Tim Regnerus and are delightful young ladies. 

Samantha is the eldest as well as the baker of the family. She started to bake at about nine years old with her Nana, Thea Regnerus. When I asked if she had a favourite recipe, she didn’t hesitate to tell me it was “Aunt Mary’s Boterkoek”. This is a butter cake that is a Dutch family recipe. The name Aunt Mary is in reference to Thea’s sister-in-law. I could feel that Samantha had a very special connection with her Nana. Unfortunately, Thea passed away in November of 2022. Thea fed many people in her lifetime with her baking and cooking, and would be so proud of Samantha today. Thea’s legacy lives on with this traditional family recipe.

The second recipe Samantha shared is a family favourite, Unicorn Cookies. Just from the name alone, I figured these would be fun cookies for kids of all ages. 

Other than baking, Samantha is actively involved with many sports teams at school. She is a member of the Haldimand Rivercats hockey team, she babysits, and she enjoys reading.

I asked Danielle what she thought of her sister Samantha’s baking, and she confirmed that everything was delicious. However, she does not have the same interest in baking as Samantha. Danielle has an artistic flair and received first place honours for her artwork at the recent Caledonia Fair. Danielle is also a 4-H member, having completed the Cut Flower and the Sewing and Crocheting Club this year.