When most people think of Bakery and Blooms, they probably imagine sweet cinnamon rolls, and buttery pastries—and they’re not wrong! Baking is absolutely one of my biggest passions, but what you might not know is that I also love to cook. In fact, my love for cooking started well before I started Bakery and Blooms.

When I was 16, I was diagnosed with hypertension. That diagnosis was a big turning point in my life. I was told to watch my sodium intake, so naturally, I started paying closer attention to what I was eating. The more I looked into prepackaged and prepared foods, the more shocked I was by the amount of sodium packed into them. That’s when something clicked.

At 18, I began cooking from scratch—not just baking, but truly diving into homemade meals, sauces, broths, snacks, and more. What started as a necessity quickly grew into a true passion. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing exactly what’s in your food and having control over every ingredient. It became a creative outlet and a way to care for myself and those I love.

Since then, cooking from scratch has become part of my daily life. Whether it’s homemade soup stock simmering on the stove, fresh pasta made by hand, or a new twist on a comfort food classic—I love every bit of it. And honestly, I’ve been thinking it might be time to start sharing that side of what I do here, too.

I’d love to hear from you—would you be interested in seeing more of the savory side of my kitchen? I’m thinking of starting a little blog series (or maybe even two!) where I share:

• My favorite go-to dinner recipes

• Some of the things I make from scratch that people are surprised by

• Seasonal meals that I love to cook alongside the baked goods I already share

I think food is so much more than just nourishment—it’s tradition, love, creativity, and even healing. So if this sounds like something you'd be excited to read or follow along with, please let me know in the comments or shoot me a message. Your feedback means everything to me!

With love (and lots of good food),
Mackenzie