Meet Me at The Lanai

Every now and then, a cake request isn’t just about dessert—it’s about love, memory, and meaning. James, a co-worker and friend, reached out with one of those rare stories that touched my heart.  At first, James’ birthday cake request seemed like a classic favorite: banana cream. But as he opened up about the memory behind it, I realized this cake would be carrying something much deeper than just flavor. When James was a child, there was a birthday his parents accidentally forgot. Moments slip through the cracks sometimes, as they do for all of us. But when his mom realized, she rushed to make things right the best way she knew how: she made him a banana pudding cake. Banana pudding had always been his favorite, and that quick, loving gesture became a memory that stayed with him through the years. Now, with his mom no longer here, James wanted to honor her memory. So for his birthday this year, he asked me to recreate that beloved banana pudding cake—a tribute to her, and to that o...

Lemon Budnt Cake  This birthday cake request was anything but ordinary—and I loved every second of creating it! A client reached out for a custom gluten-free birthday cake, but instead of the usual layered cake, they wanted a bright and summery lemon bundt cake. With fresh lemons picked right from their backyard tree and a heartfelt marine life theme, this cake became a celebration of not just a birthday, but of passion and personal dreams. 🍋Fresh Lemons, Fresh Ideas The cake itself was inspired by the bright and sunny flavor of fresh lemons. There’s something magical about using fruit that’s been grown and gifted with love. The zest of the lemon added a burst of fragrant citrus oils, infusing the crumb with a tangy brightness that made every bite taste like summer. As a finishing touch, I filled the center of the bundt with a generous sprinkle of fresh summer berries. The natural sweetness of blackberries and raspberries added a refreshing pop of color and flavor that balanced th...

One of my favorite parts of running a cottage bakery is the freedom to explore. Whether I’m testing a trending recipe or chasing a personal flavor curiosity, I find so much joy in pushing the boundaries of what my sourdough starter can do. Over time, I’ve been building a little sourdough menu collection of my own—starting with classic sourdough English muffins , and most recently, trying out a flaky, buttery artisan croissant bread. But this week’s adventure might just be my softest, fruitiest one yet: a Strawberry Sourdough Cake inspired by Amy Bakes Bread. It’s not your typical cake. The sourdough starter adds this beautiful depth and slight tang, while the strawberries melt into little pools of natural jam throughout the batter. The result is a soft, tender crumb that almost disappears in your mouth—it's that dreamy. It’s the kind of thing I love to bake for a weekend treat—something a little unexpected, a little rustic, and totally craveable. This cake is a reminder of why I do...

Last year, the Dubai chocolate trend made its rounds across social media—those glossy, rich, decadent chocolate bars dusted in gold and filled with creamy layers. I had no intention of jumping on the trend train… until a little spark of inspiration came from the most unexpected (and delightful) place. While working on the hit show St. Denis Medical, my awesome co-worker, Laura, passed along a fun message from one of the show’s stars, Kahyun Kim. She was curious if I could make her a Dubai-style chocolate bar. Now, I don’t specialize in chocolates—but the idea intrigued me. I did a little digging and randomly came across a recipe for Dubai chocolate brownies. They looked indulgent, velvety, and topped with that signature glossy finish. So I picked up a few ingredients, gave them a try… and it was love at first bite. The brownies were a hit. Like—instant cult favorite hit. And just like that, they earned a permanent spot on my menu. To this day, they remain one of my biggest brownie sell...

Avocado croissant sourdough toast with black olive salt and cotija cheese There’s a kind of magic in Sunday mornings—the kind that invites you to slow down, stay in pajamas a little longer, and let the aroma of fresh coffee and something warm in the oven set the tone for the day. No alarms, no rush. Just the soft glow of morning light, a well-worn mug in hand, and the gentle hum of a playlist playing in the background. It’s when the kitchen feels most like a sanctuary—where toast isn’t just toast, but a ritual. Whether it’s a flaky pastry, a buttery biscuit, or a warm slice of sourdough, brunch becomes less of a meal and more of a comfort-filled moment you look forward to all week. A few months back, I came across a viral baking trend that felt like it was made for this exact kind of morning: artisan croissant bread. Originally created by amybakesbread.com  and brought into my feed by @kirtyyys , this genius mash-up combines the tang of sourdough with the buttery flakiness of a cro...