Hello! I’m The Ex Baker👩‍🍳

Having spent eight years running a professional bakery and baking thousands of loaves, I can say that developing kitchen confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of the baking journey. The transition from bakery owner to baking educator taught me how crucial it is to understand the subtle details in recipes and techniques that can make or break your results. For instance, even small changes in yeast activation temperature or dough hydration can dramatically affect texture and rise. One tip I often share is to embrace patience and observation during the proofing stages. Dough doesn't adhere strictly to timers — it’s about how it looks and feels. When your dough has roughly doubled and springs back slowly to the touch, that's when it's ready. This kind of tactile learning comes only with practice and a bit of trial and error. Another key insight is the value of having trusted, consistent recipes. Over the years, I perfected recipes that reliably produce delicious breads, rolls, cookies, and pastries. Baking for your community or family is a journey of sharing love through food, and having these go-to recipes gives you the freedom to experiment with personal touches without risking a flop. Whether you’re baking for personal joy or to grow your skills toward professional quality, remember that baking is both a science and an art. My experience has shown that combining professional techniques with your unique flair leads to the most satisfying results. If you have baking questions or want to share your favorite homemade creation, I encourage you to connect with communities like #TheExBaker and #TheBakersBench. Together, we can hone our craft and continue the rich tradition of baking that brings warmth and happiness to our tables.