Barbara Wussow
The actress has a weakness for that
Barbara Wussow tries her hand at elaborate cakes in "Das große Promibacken".
© SAT.1 / Claudius Pflug
"The big celebrity bake" starts a new season. In an interview, she tells how hard Barbara Wussow trained for the show.
It is stirred, decorated and sweat properly: On February 17th, the fifth season of "Das große Promibacken" starts. Eight celebrities show their skills in the oven and try to convince the jurors Bettina Schliephake-Burchardt (49) and Christian Hümbs (39) with their cake creations. Actress Barbara Wussow (59, "Italy in the Heart") ventured into the kitchen of the popular Sat.1 show this year. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, she revealed how hard the Austrian had to train and how a perfect Kaiserschmarrn succeeds.
How did it come about that you now dare to try the oven for "The Big Celebrity Baking"?
Barbara Wussow: It was very simple: I was called and asked. I've seen the show before and always found it insanely exciting. But I always thought to myself: "No, you'll never take part". After all, it's very hard to bake these show cakes. But then I dared.
Did you have to train for the show?
Wussow: I got Leo Forstenhofer from the Oberlaa pastry shop in Vienna as a coach. After all, we can't get these cakes off our sleeves. The pastry shop also has a training center. There I was allowed to practice eight to ten hours three times a week in July and August. It was hard work. After these two months, I have great respect for pastry chefs. But I always brought cakes home – which friends and family were very happy about.
Do you like to be at the stove?
Wussow: I like to cook every day when I'm at home. I can do it quite well too. I learned everything from my grandmother who came from Austria. As a child, I was often on her farm in Lower Austria during my holidays. There I learned everything from cakes and pancakes to Salzburger Nockerl that an Austrian can do.
But are you also a connoisseur?
Wussow: I really like to eat, it's just a sensual pleasure. I also love entertaining guests. Everyone is in the kitchen and everyone is given a task – even if it's just pouring prosecco. But I also have to be careful. After all, I have to fit into the white uniform for the "dream ship". My figure was only given by God in my youth. Now I have to do something about it.
Then weren't you afraid that you would gain a few pounds on "The Big Celebrity Cheek"?
Wussow: I am very disciplined. Before I'm on the set, the traffic jam on the middle ring has to go. Then I go running a few weeks beforehand – with my dog through the Vienna Woods or in the vineyards. I'd rather be in the fresh air than in the gym.
Are there sweet sins that you still can't say no to?
Wussow: At Gugelhupf. I have a terrific recipe from my grandmother. Add a dollop of cream and a good coffee – wonderful. But good, wafer-thin apricot pancakes are also something divine for me.
And what about Kaiserschmarrn? Do you have a good recipe for that?
Wussow: Everyone has their own secret recipe. But it has to be a thick pancake batter that is turned over in the pan and then torn. Under no circumstances cut up! Finally, caramelize with granulated sugar in the pan. With a plum compote – a dream. Comes with me right after the apricot pancakes.
Can you imagine taking part in a cooking show like "Grill den Henssler"?
Wussow: Of course. No matter if Henssler or Mälzer – I think the new generation of chefs is great. They are funny and you like to watch them cook. It would also be an opportunity to show myself, to get to know the respective cook and I learn something. Even if something burns. It's an experience of a lifetime too.
You will celebrate your 60th birthday on March 28th. Do you have something planned for that special day?
Wussow: I created my own wine with a friend, Renate Paul. She is a winemaker and has a large winery on the outskirts of Vienna in Lower Austria. My wine is a Grüner Veltliner and is called "Zeitlos". And that's how I see myself: I am timeless. In addition to the white wine, there will soon also be a red barrique. I like to drink wine and wine is a cultural asset of Austria. In addition, I won't be able to party properly On this day I'm also in front of the camera for "The Dream Ship". Due to the corona requirements, a birthday party is difficult. I'm just planning something for the summer. Then you are outside in the fresh air and maybe the situation is better again. But no celebration is out of the question for me.