When I began culinary school back in 1991 my professor asked the class what we wanted to do when we graduated.  90% of the class said they wanted to own a restaurant, myself included.  6 years and 3 degrees later, culinary, food service management and an MBA, I left Johnson and Wales and started working for a food service management company as a chef manager and then as a general manager.  However, once I had my second child, I left food service behind and I transitioned into finance which enabled me to work from home.  Thankfully, I was able to work in this field for 11 years which allowed me to be home with my kids.  During this time, my love for baking evolved making desserts and cakes for school functions, birthday parties, weddings and baby showers.  My desire to own my own place was still a dream, only the restaurant turned into a bakery.

Growing up my mother never bought desserts, everything was made from scratch at home.  These are the shimmering and defining memories that built the concept of this bakery.  Family recipes from my mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, father-in-law and grandmother-in-law will be the recipes baked here to share with you.  Small batch cooking with fresh quality ingredients will be used and everything will be made fresh daily. 

So why “Under the Willow”?  As a child I always loved looking at willow trees something about the waterfall of lush green resonated with me.  When my kids were little our daily walks took us on a path that led us under a willow tree which helped reinforce my love for them even more.  Each time we passed under it I would tell my kids; “1, 2, 3 look up”. This tradition became somewhat magical and the highlight of my walks with them.  Thus, the logo, 2 boys, my boys under a willow tree.

I hope you enjoy these family recipes as much as my family does and if you ever find yourself under a willow tree be sure to look up!