BakeSpace in the News

LOS ANGELES (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) -- BakeSpace.com – launched in August 2006 as the Web’s first food-centric social network and recipe swap – today introduced a new design and a range of features including a first-of-its-kind food mentor program that makes it easy for cooking and baking enthusiasts to help one another improve their skills in the kitchen. A lot of home chefs want to learn new skills, but don’t know where to turn for help,” said BakeSpace Founder Babette Pepaj. “Our new mentor program makes it easy for them to connect and learn from their more experienced peers, while discovering new friends along the way.”

Those who have knowledge to share can create a mentor profile tagged to specific types of foods and cooking techniques. When people browse BakeSpace’s database of member-submitted recipes and find a tasty recipe, they also find a list of related tips and mentors eager to share advice and encouragement. Members looking for help can also browse the mentor section directly to find mentors based on a variety of search criteria.

“With today’s hectic, high-tech lifestyle, it seems like there’s less time to hang out in the kitchen and learn how to cook the old-fashioned way,” Pepaj added. “The mentor program, like the rest of BakeSpace, preserves the age-old tradition of gathering in the kitchen to prepare food, share skills and socialize. On BakeSpace, great recipes are just the beginning of the journey.”

The mentor program is part of BakeSpace.com’s first head-to-toe makeover since the site, which earned back-to-back Webby Award honors in 2007 and 2008, launched nearly two years ago. In addition to a new homepage design and logo, other features introduced today improve customization, navigation and sponsor integration.

Customization – BakeSpace’s Unique “Recipe Feed” Feature

From day one, BakeSpace has been based on a unique recipe-swap platform that feeds each member’s latest recipes automatically to the online "kitchens” of members in his or her network of BakeSpace friends. Called the "Recipe Feed," this newsfeed-style system for swapping recipes helps members stay up-to-speed on what their friends are preparing in the kitchen.

With today’s redesign, the Recipe Feed has been expanded so members can automatically receive not just their friends’ recipes, but also the latest recipes from the entire BakeSpace community in specific recipe categories. When a member selects a Recipe Feed category, the latest corresponding recipes automatically start to appear in the “My Recipe Feed” box in his or her online kitchen. Selected recipe categories can be changed to accommodate dietary and lifestyle preferences, seasonal traditions, etc. Like the mentor program, BakeSpace’s Recipe Feed enhances utility, social interaction and community building.

"The Recipe Feed does more than just satisfy your craving for great recipes… it personalizes the BakeSpace experience and helps you connect with like-minded peers," added Pepaj. “It’s the online equivalent of having friends stop by your kitchen each day to chat and swap recipes.”

In addition to customizing their private online “kitchen” with friend and category-based Recipe Feeds, members can also tailor their public BakeSpace profile seen by other members and visitors to the site. It’s now easier than ever to add backgrounds, slide shows, videos, music and a range of other personalized elements. BakeSpace is unique among food-themed online communities in enabling members to add elements beyond simple photos.

“Our members are as unique and diverse as the recipes they post on the site, and most want their profiles to reflect their personality,” added Pepaj. “They don’t want anything ‘cookie-cutter’ about their kitchen, whether it’s at home or online.”

Site Navigation

With the addition of the new Mentor program, BakeSpace is now configured into five sections:
  * Recipes
  * Mentors
  * Conversations
  * Members
  * My Kitchen
Integration within and between sections has been improved with additional navigation bars, while recipe browsing and sorting has been enhanced with navigation channels that sort recipes by various categories and themes. The new homepage design introduced today also makes it easier to see at a glance what’s new in the various sections.

Sponsor Integration:

Over the past year, BakeSpace has hosted a series of unique promotions for brands such as KitchenAid, Universal, Sara Lee, FOX Searchlight and McCormick’s. Most recent was a promotion with ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” in which BakeSpace members could swap recipes inspired by the show with Bree, Edie, Susan and the other lead characters. The redesign introduced today makes it easier for sponsors to create organic promotions that engage with members and add value to the BakeSpace community. Pepaj continued, “You could say that we have developed a new ‘recipe’ for brand integration.”

Members on BakeSpace range from teenagers just starting to explore the culinary lifestyle to great-grandparents who want to share and catalogue their treasured family recipes. The common thread is a passion for food and a desire to connect and learn from one another.

Pepaj added, "The features introduced and expanded today preserve BakeSpace’s grassroots feel while helping our members connect in new and exciting ways. The goal is to create an environment where people come for the food, but stay for the conversation.”

For more information: www.BakeSpace.com.

LOS ANGELES -- BakeSpace.com - the Web's largest food-themed social network and recipe swap - was today named a Webby Award "Official Honoree" for the second year in a row, and was the only food-oriented site recognized in the highly competitive Social Networking Category.

Launched in August 2006, the grassroots online community serves as a virtual kitchen where members gather to post, search and exchange recipes, share culinary tips and build relationships with other foodies from around the world. The site was created to preserve and update the age-old tradition of gathering in the kitchen to cook and socialize.

"We're thrilled to be honored for the second year in a row and to share this recognition with the entire BakeSpace community," said BakeSpace Founder Babette Pepaj. "Thanks to the creativity, passion and diversity of our members, people come to BakeSpace for the food, but stay for the conversation."

Described by the New York Times as the "Oscars of the Internet," the Webby Awards honor excellence in Web sites, online film and video and interactive advertising. They are presented by the 550 members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences for what the Academy deems as "outstanding work that is setting the standards for the Internet." This year's 12th annual competition included nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

BakeSpace.com is designed for anyone interested in cooking or baking - whether they rely on the microwave or prepare gourmet meals from scratch. Members come from more than 170 countries, and range from teenagers just starting to explore the culinary lifestyle to great grandparents who want to share and catalogue their treasured family recipes. All share a passion for food and learning from one another.

In addition to attracting foodies from around the world, BakeSpace has partnered with brands such as KitchenAid, McCormick, Sara Lee, Kodak, Universal Studios, Fox Searchlight and ABC to host a range of unique, highly engaging promotions.

About BakeSpace.com
BakeSpace is a free online community where members can post, search and swap recipes, create their own "online kitchen," raid the "virtual pantry" (forums), upload cooking videos, conduct live cooking demonstrations and interact with other food enthusiasts from around the world.

About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, Interactive Advertising, Online Film & Video, and Mobile Websites. Established in 1996, the 12th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS)
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 550 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, AKQA Global Creative Director Rei Inamoto, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, The Huffington Post's Arianna Huffington, AKQA Global Creative Director Rei Inamoto and The Weinstein Company's Harvey Weinstein. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group.

LOS ANGELES -- It has been a fast-paced and memorable first year for BakeSpace.com -- the online social network and recipe exchange for people who are passionate about food. Launched on August 22, 2006, BakeSpace has grown to nearly 15,000 members who gather on the site to post, search, and exchange recipes, share culinary tips and build relationships with other food enthusiasts from around the world. Together they have posted more than 22,000 recipes on the BakeSpace Community Cookbook.

"Our goal is to preserve and update the age-old tradition of gathering in the kitchen to cook and socialize," said BakeSpace Founder Babette Pepaj. "Over the past year, BakeSpace members have built a grassroots community where they can share their passion for all things food related."

BakeSpace is designed for anyone interested in cooking or baking, whether they rely on the microwave or like to prepare gourmet meals from scratch. The site's members come from 174 countries, and range from teenagers just starting to explore the culinary lifestyle to great grandparents who want to share and catalogue their treasured family recipes. The common thread among members is their passion for food and learning from one another.

"On BakeSpace, recipes are just the beginning of the journey," explained Pepaj. "People truly come for the food, and stay for the conversation."

In addition to attracting foodies from around the world, BakeSpace has hosted unique and highly engaging promotions for blue chip brands such as KitchenAid, Universal Studios and Fox Searchlight. Among the highlights during the first year was the month-long "Appliance-a-Day" Giveaway, which was KitchenAid's first collaboration with an online social network. Commenting on the Giveaway, Deb O'Connor, KitchenAid's senior manager of brand experience, said, "We're excited to be part of an initiative that truly redefines how culinary enthusiasts interact with each other."

Leading consumer brands will continue to benefit from BakeSpace's safe, targeted and highly engaging marketing platform, which is free from many of the challenges marketers face with general interest social networks.

Brands will also benefit from BakeSpace's growing membership, which achieved a compound monthly growth rate of more than 120% during the first year. During the July KitchenAid Giveaway, BakeSpace traffic exceeded traffic on many of the largest food-related lifestyle sites, including MarthaStewart.com.

BakeSpace has also earned accolades for its functionality, ease of use, and friendly, grassroots style. Competing against a record 8,000 entries, the site was named a 2007 Webby Award Official Honoree, and was the only food-oriented site recognized in the popular "Social Networking" category.

In describing BakeSpace, CNET's Chow.com declared, "Move over Friendster and MySpace -- now there's something tastier! The newest social networking website to hit the scene is geared toward the food obsessed, and it's called BakeSpace." Scripps Howard similarly reported, "The site is easy to use, and full of dishes that everyday cooks might actually want to make. The space may be virtual, but the food is real."

Other reviewers included Bon Appetit, which described the site as, "Charming in its simplicity, country kitchen aesthetic and ease of use, BakeSpace is an open invitation not only to bakers, but to cooks of all kinds." The TechCrunch blog said, "If you like Martha Stewart and watching Oprah while baking cookies, you're probably going to like BakeSpace.com."

Pepaj said of the first year, "It's been a wild ride filled with wonderful new members, amazing recipes and exciting promotions, as well as lots of learning along the way. The BakeSpace community is here to stay, and we're working to make the site even better."

About BakeSpace.com
Launched in August 2006, BakeSpace has grown to become the Web's largest food-themed social network. Members of the free site can post, search and swap recipes in their own "online kitchen," raid the "virtual pantry" (forums), chat in the "Tearoom," upload videos, create blogs and conduct their own live cooking classes.

Month-Long Giveaway Marks First Collaboration Between Renowned Kitchen Appliance Brand and an Online Social Network

LOS ANGELES -- BakeSpace.com -- the online social network and recipe exchange for people who are passionate about food - is teaming up with KitchenAid to give away a premium KitchenAid brand appliance each day throughout July. Appliances up for grabs include slow cookers, food processors, mixers and blenders. In addition, two Professional 600 Series stand mixers will be awarded as grand prizes at the end of the month.

"We're thrilled to be teaming up with KitchenAid to give away some truly amazing appliances," said BakeSpace Founder Babette Pepaj. "The Appliance-a-Day Giveaway rewards 'cookers and cakers' who are helping one another build the world's largest food social network." KitchenAid Senior Manager of Brand Experience Deb O'Connor added, "We're excited to be part of an initiative that truly redefines how culinary enthusiasts interact with each other." The BakeSpace Appliance-a-Day Giveaway marks the company's first collaboration with an online social network.

Each day in July, BakeSpace members who upload original recipes or refer new members will earn raffle tickets and be entered automatically into that day's giveaway; the more recipes and/or friends, the better the chance of winning. Each day's winner will be selected via a random drawing, and announced after midnight Eastern Daylight Time. A running tally of each member's daily and month-long point totals will be published on the site. On August 1st, the members who earned the most overall points during the month in each category will each win a grand prize.

The giveaway is open to all BakeSpace members. Membership is free, and joining the site takes just a couple of minutes.

About BakeSpace.com
Since it was launched in August 2006, the BakeSpace community has grown to include more than 10,000 members who use the site to post, search and exchange recipes, share culinary tips and build relationships with other food enthusiasts from around the world. Members can build their own "online kitchen," raid the site's "virtual pantry," upload videos, conduct their own live cooking classes and create blogs. BakeSpace was named a 2007 Webby Award Official Honoree. More information is available at www.BakeSpace.com.

About KitchenAid
Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. From countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars, KitchenAid now offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand*, visit www.KitchenAid.com.

*Based on a September 2005 survey, KitchenAid was found to be the home kitchen appliance brand chosen most often by members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals when asked about refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, ranges, dishwashers, microwave ovens, electronic mixers, blenders, food processors and toasters.

Pet Lovers Find, Post and Share Recipes on Food Social Network

LOS ANGELES -- Members of BakeSpace.com -- the online community for people who are passionate about food -- are using the site to post and share recipes for homemade dog and cat treats.

The site's global cookbook includes a rapidly growing "Woof and Meow Treats" section with recipes such as "Snicker Poodles" and "Cat Attack Cookies" submitted by BakeSpace members from around the world. In addition, the site's Pantry forum area includes a section called "Pet Place," where members share related tips and ideas.

BakeSpace member interest in recipes for homemade pet food has grown following reports about contamination in the commercial pet food supply.

While the do-it-yourself recipes may not be intended as a long-term substitute for store bought pet food, they offer a short-term or special occasion alternative that can help create a unique bond between people and their pets.

"Pets are members of the family, and occasionally substituting commercial food with a homemade treat can be a fun way to pamper your four-legged friends," said BakeSpace Founder Babette Pepaj.

Pepaj is quick to point out that some animal care professionals have expressed concern that homemade pet food may not contain the optimal combination of nutrients pets require for long-term health. This echoes a recent statement by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) urging "pet parents to fully research homemade diets for pets before pulling out the chef's hat." Proponents of homemade pet food counter that it contains less filler and fewer artificial additives, and is therefore a healthy, wholesome alternative.

Widespread concern over the commercial pet food supply began in Mid-March, when it was reported that food sold nationwide was tainted with a chemical called melamine. It was determined that the melamine was present in contaminated wheat gluten used by pet food manufacturers to increase protein content.

About BakeSpace.com
BakeSpace was launched in August 2006 as the first true social networking site for people who are passionate about food, cooking and the culinary lifestyle. Members of the free online community can search and swap recipes, create their own "online kitchen," raid the site's "virtual pantry," share cooking tips, upload videos, create blogs and build relationships with other food enthusiasts from around the world. BakeSpace was named a 2007 Webby Award Official Honoree.

LOS ANGELES -- BakeSpace.com -- the first true social networking site for people who are passionate about food, cooking and the culinary lifestyle -- has been named a 2007 Webby Award "Official Honoree."

The Webby Awards have been described by the New York Times as the online equivalent of the Oscars. Judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS), the Awards honor the best Web sites for what the Academy deems "outstanding work that is setting the standard for the Internet."

This year's competition included a record 8,000 entries from more than 60 countries and all 50 U.S. states. BakeSpace was the only food-oriented site recognized in the popular Social Networking category.

"BakeSpace.com's selection as an 'Official Honoree' is a testament to the skill, ingenuity and vision of its creators," said Webby Award Executive Director David-Michel Davies.

Launched in August 2006, BakeSpace is a free, independent online community where members swap recipes, share ideas and build relationships with foodies from around the world.

"We're proud to be honored alongside some of the largest and most popular sites on the Web," said Babette Pepaj, BakeSpace.com's founder. "BakeSpace is a grassroots community created by and for everyone who believes that the kitchen is the most important room in the house."

About BakeSpace.com
BakeSpace.com is a free online community that combines the functionality of traditional online recipe databases with robust social networking. Members can create their own "online kitchen," search and swap recipes, share culinary tips, upload cooking videos, create blogs and chat with other food enthusiasts from around the world. BakeSpace was recently listed along with MySpace, LinkedIn and Classmates.com as one of the most popular social networks to watch by interactive media and marketing site iMediaConnection. More information is available at www.bakespace.com.

About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, The Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, Interactive Advertising, Online Film & Video and Mobile Websites. The Webby Award was established in 1996, and is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS)
IADAS is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes more than 500 members consisting of leading experts in a range of fields. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of

Members Can Share Recipes and Connect with Other Food Buffs on Site Created By and For People Who Love to Cook

LOS ANGELES -- BakeSpace.com launched today as the first niche online community for cooking enthusiasts that combines recipe sharing with comprehensive social networking. While many culinary-themed websites offer recipes and message boards, BakeSpace.com is unique in that members can post, search and share recipes, customize their own “online kitchen,” raid the site’s “virtual pantry,” make new friends, create blogs, upload photos and video, download coupons, and communicate in real-time with other members via instant messaging and chat. Today’s launch comes after weeks of beta testing. New members can register in just a couple of minutes, and the site is totally free.

“BakeSpace is designed for just about anyone interested in cooking, whether they rely on the microwave or like to prepare gourmet meals from scratch,” said television producer/director and BakeSpace.com Founder Babette Pepaj. “While the site has many advanced features, it’s as easy to use as making toast.”

BakeSpace is an independent online network with user-generated content. Unlike most niche social networking sites, it is not owned or affiliated with a media/publishing company or marketing arm of a major corporation. BakeSpace was developed with a grassroots sensibility for people who are passionate about cooking.

The popularity of the epicurean lifestyle BakeSpace celebrates is affirmed by the proliferation of specialty food stores and cooking-themed radio/TV shows with celebrity “telechefs.” The site is designed to serve a “niche” that is exceptionally large and diverse. Cooking enthusiasts in the U.S. alone represent a $25 billion market, according to a May 2006 report by research firm Mintel International Group.

People have always gathered in the kitchen to cook, eat and engage in conversation. BakeSpace helps keep this social tradition alive in today’s fast-paced world by enabling them to connect in their virtual kitchen with the click of a mouse.

“For many people, the kitchen is the most important room in their home,” Pepaj added.  “But even the most passionate chef can sometimes forget that cooking should be fun. BakeSpace was created to enable members to share their kitchen with like-minded people from around the globe, and in the process forge new friendships and exercise their passion for one of life’s great pleasures.”