Harrison Baker in National ‘Greatest Baker’ Contest

Cleaver Managing Editor

Cindy Peters has been a vendor at the Gladwin Farmer’s Market for over eight years. She makes natural skin and body care products in addition to baked goods of all kinds.

Cindy and her husband, Rich, live on a small farm in Hamilton Township they name M.E.’s Green Acres.

“We moved from Chicago nine years ago to live a simpler life,” said Peters. “We bought a small farm, and we do our own thing. We do farm markets and craft shows.”

Cindy produces more than 150 products such as goat’s milk soap, lip products, lotions, creams, and more. She uses essential oils and other all-natural ingredients to create non-toxic skin care products. She believes you shouldn’t eat or use a product unless you can pronounce the ingredients, and has been reading labels since her husband had some health issues.

“I started making products for us and when we moved to Harrison with the idea of having a small farm and being self-sufficient, I began selling at the Gladwin Farm Market,” she said. She tripled her sales of natural products from last year as more people try her products and become repeat customers.

“I really truly enjoy making things and helping people and educating them on all natural products.” She uses essential oils, shea butter and goat’s milk from the goats on her farm.

Another of Peters’ passions is baking. Her love of baking started when she was 12 years old.

 “It makes me happy when people love what I bake,” she added.

Peters was chosen as a top 20 finalist in the Greatest Baker contest. The grand prize is a trip to a location to be announced; $10,000; and a featured article in Bake from Scratch Magazine. The contest guest stars TV personality and baker Buddy Valastro, known as the “Cake Boss.”

“I’m really excited about the contest,” Peters said. “I still feel like I’m dreaming. I never thought I would get picked.

“I’ve been baking for so long and everyone raves about my stuff and after winning all the ribbons at the [Clare County] Fair and I thought why not, I might as well give it a try.”

The contest also raises money for families affected by childhood cancer. That mission fits in with Peters’ own goals to support children experiencing hair loss due to cancer. She donates her hair and makes a monetary donation every two years to Children With Hair Loss which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Michigan that provides human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults facing medically-related hair loss.   

There are five rounds of voting that last about a week each. One of the last rounds of voting is making a cake to be judged by Sophie Faldo, a past British Bake-Off winner.

Vote for Peters in the Greatest Baker Contest beginning on Nov. 27 by visiting www.greatestbaker.com/2023/cindy-peters. The Cleaver Facebook page and website will also have links to vote for Peters.

The farm itself is open to the public once a year. M.E. Green Acres will be hosting a Christmas Open House from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Baked goods and other products will be available for sale, and guests can meet all the animals on the farm. M.E. Green Acres is located at 2861 N. Athey Ave. in Hamilton Township.

Peters sells her products at Cozy Cats Café in Sanford, Gladwin Farmer’s Market, The Health Hutch in Clare, The Rustic Owl and Vibe with Me Salon and Boutique in Harrison. © Clare County Cleaver