Meet Me at The Lanai

  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. ...