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"I’m not really a pastry chef," says Erik Goetze, a former graphic artist who is now resident muffin maker for the Blue Sky Bakery. Park Slopers who stuff themselves with the bakery’s pastries, muffins and cakes might disagree.

Since July, when Goetze turned a defunct hair salon into an airy bakery, the aromas of mango, plum, blackberry and strawberry muffins have wafted down Fifth Avenue.

At midday, neighbors can be seen in the sky-blue shop munching on baker George Mason’s flaky vegetarian, beef or chicken empanadas.

Goetze lucked out when Serbian-born Nadezda Dokovic agreed to join the staff and whip up her Viennese-style chocolate-walnut tortes, light orange cakes, chocolate chip cookies and carrot cakes perfumed with fresh nutmeg and cinnamon.

The neighborhood’s warm welcome has been gratifying, but the bakery’s proximity to Goetze’s apartment may be the best thing about his new business.

"I live right around the corner," he says. "The commute is great."

Blue Sky Bakery (53 Fifth Ave. between Bergen Street and St. Marks Place in Park Slope) accepts cash only. The bakery is open seven days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm. Empanadas: $1.35. Muffins, croissants and cupcakes: $1.75-$2.50. Cake slices: $2.75-$4.50. Whole cakes that feed 12-20: $22-$40. For information, call (718) 783-4123.

©2003 Community Newspaper Group