How it started
My story didn’t begin with baked goods. Rather, a stroke back in January of 2017 turned the tables on the life I thought I wanted. After the PT, OT, and speech therapy, it was just me and my kitchen. Had a desire for some fresh lemon curd. Naturally gathered the eggs, lemon, and sugar. After cracking the eggs, something happened. I reached a roadblock. Countless times, I’ve cracked eggs and beaten them gently with a fork. The stroke had impacted my left side and, being left-handed, forced me to relearn how to form letters, write, and even beat an egg. In my memory bank, I knew I needed to twist my wrist in a circular motion with the fork to beat the eggs. The trouble was that my brain had forgotten the exact sequence. This was a basic skill I’d taken for granted that appeared to be gone. Space, time, and more practice tests than I could keep track of, I finally got those eggs to beat again with the fork. It wasn’t the exact formula as before, but I had formed a new pattern that worked.
Heidi’s Uncommon Twist
My kitchen has become my science lab. Each day, I would test the limits of a recipe. While testing my brain and hands. Happy when my brain and hands remembered how to complete the task. I was feeling brave experimenting with fresh, dry, and instant yeast. This was uncharted territory. Ingredients I’d never used had become staples in my pantry. Testing, tweaking, and blending a variety of recipes, ingredients, and bold flavors until something happened.
I cracked my first baking code with a bagel blend. Later, taking that same code to perfect rolls and other twisted goods. This code was a sort of magic that never let me down. Earlier, and earlier, I’d wake excited to bake again. I fell in love with the rhythm, the science, and the possibilities of yeast. Tracking down bold, fresh flavors normally suited as a side dish, making their way to center stage in my next batch.
Sharing each creation with family and friends allowed them to join in on this baking evolution. Our baking creations can be purchased on Fridays at Sugar Happy from 11-4PM. Check the menu page to see when your favorite flavors will be available in the shop.
