Meet Me at The Lanai

  It’s been a little while since I’ve sat down to write here. A lot has happened behind the scenes at The Lanai Cottage Bakery , but one thing hasn’t changed: I’m still happiest when there’s something baking in the oven. And by a little while, I mean long enough that some of my mixing bowls were probably wondering if I’d forgotten how to type. Don’t worry, though. The ovens have stayed busy, the butter has been softened, and the flour has continued to find its way onto just about every available surface in my kitchen. While I haven’t been sharing as much here, I certainly haven’t stopped baking. In fact, there’s been so much happening that I figured it was time to dust off the blog, put the kettle on, and catch you up on what’s been coming out of the kitchen. So, grab a cup of coffee (preferably alongside something sweet), get comfortable, and let’s get reacquainted! 💚A Little Bit of Everything, With a Whole Lot of Butter Lately, the kitchen has seen its fair share of celebrations...

  There are moments when baking becomes more than just mixing butter and sugar — it becomes a way to show love, connection, and gratitude.  As a small cottage bakery, I’m always looking for ways to give back to the community that’s supported me from day one. Recently, I had the joy of participating in two wonderful fundraisers that truly warmed my heart: Elizabeth House and Burbank’s Parent ED’s Halloween Event. Elizabeth House: Sweet Pies for a Meaningful Cause When my friend and talented actress Kelly Schumann (you might recognize her from Superstore ) reached out about Elizabeth House’s first-ever Pickleball Social, I was touched. Kelly works with Elizabeth House , a nonprofit that supports women, children, and even grandchildren through safe housing, mentorship, and unconditional love. Their mission — to give families the tools and community they need to rebuild their lives — instantly resonated with me. It’s full of heart, and baking something for their fundraiser felt li...

Brown Butter Apple Blondies, Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk,  Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Chip Fall is creeping in (slowly, like a cat that knows it’s about to pounce), and that means cozy season is officially here. What better way to settle into the week than with a menu full of hugs disguised as baked goods? We’ve been tinkering away in the kitchen—rolling, whisking, and taste-testing (the hardest part, obviously)—and excited to share what’s coming out of the oven for you. Let’s take a peek at this week’s Crafty Menu at St. Denis Medical: Chocolate Sprinkle Sugar, M&M, Reese's Peanut Butter, Brown Butter Apple Blondie  🍪 Cookies:   (Because one is never enough) * GF Chocolate Chunk – Proof that gluten-free doesn’t mean fun-free. Big, melty chocolate chunks = instant mood lift. * M&M – Bright little candy gems baked into buttery cookie dough. Childhood nostalgia, but for grown-ups who know how to pace themselves (or not). * Brown Butter Walnut Chocolate Ch...

Lemon Thyme Bundt Cake Not every birthday cake has to be layers of frosting and candles—and honestly, that’s what makes this one so special. For a recent celebration, I got to bake a Lemon Thyme Bundt Cake drizzled with lemon thyme glaze , and it turned out to be the perfect sweet surprise for a September birthday. 🌟 A Cake with a Little Glam This cake came with a fun request: the birthday star loves Art Deco. Instead of sharp angles and skyscraper designs, I translated that style into cake with shimmering gold balls in all different sizes; like a little slice of the Roaring ‘20s on the dessert table. Who says birthday cakes can’t sparkle with personality? Bundt for a Birthday? Yes, Please! Bundt cakes don’t usually get the spotlight for birthdays, but they should. Their shape has natural elegance, and when paired with the right flavor, they shine just as bright as a traditional layer cake. This Lemon Thyme Bundt Cake was zesty, fragrant, and refreshing—like sunshine baked right in. ...

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEKKI!!! FROM ST. DENIS MEDICAL  🎉 T his September, I had the joy (and challenge!) of baking a birthday cake for St. Denis Medical star Mekki Leeper . If you’ve watched the show, you know his character “ Matt ” has his fair share of quirky moments—but one of my favorites was when Matt broke out a full-on magic act for the talent show on Season 1 Ep13. It was unexpected, awkward, and completely hilarious… basically perfect birthday cake inspiration. Every cake I make is special, but this one was a chance to get extra creative—and I couldn’t resist leveling up with a buttercream transfer for the cake décor. Frosting + Funny Business = Buttercream Transfer To honor that magician moment, I found a still from the show, turned it into a cartoon rendering, and then recreated it on the cake using a buttercream transfer. Yes, you read that right—I basically painted with frosting. It involved mixing colors like I was back in art class, only this time the medium was sugar ...

This week’s St. Denis Medical crafty menu is filled with buttery goodness and a few fun twists. I’m mixing up the lineup and bringing shortbread cookies into the spotlight. Each one is tender, crumbly, and melts in your mouth in that classic shortbread way—but with flavors that take them to the next level. And just wait until you meet the brand-new Biscoff Cinny Roll !! Whether you’re searching for gluten free cookies, a fresh take on shortbread, or a cozy artisan cinnamon roll, this week’s menu has something warm, delicious, and homemade: Gluten Free Cherry Chocolate Shortbread  🍒 GF Cherry Chocolate Shortbread with Melted Chocolate Drizzle A tender gluten free shortbread cookie that brings together the tartness of dried cherries and the richness of chocolate. To finish, a swirl of melted chocolate drizzle adds an elegant touch. Perfect for anyone craving a little indulgence without the gluten. Macadamia Shortbread with White Chocolate Drizzle 🌰 Macadamia Shortbread with White C...