Welcome to Broken Oven Baking Company: Kayla’s Sweet Journey from Home Baker to Passionate Food Blogger

Hello and a very warm welcome to Broken Oven Baking Company! My name is Kayla, and if you had told me a few years ago that I’d be launching a baking blog and sharing my culinary creations with the world, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you. Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn’t it? As a quiet introvert, I’ve always found my comfort and joy in the solitude of my kitchen, far from the spotlight. Writing, in particular, has never been my strong suit or a pursuit I imagined myself undertaking. Yet, here I am, embarking on this exciting new chapter, driven by a lifelong passion for baking that has now blossomed into something truly special.

For as long as I can remember, baking has been more than just a hobby; it’s been a constant companion, a creative outlet, and my ultimate form of self-expression. From humble beginnings crafting simple chocolate chip cookies to tackling more intricate pastries, the rhythmic process of measuring, mixing, and transforming ingredients has always brought me immense peace and satisfaction. There’s a certain magic in turning flour, sugar, butter, and eggs into something delicious and beautiful. It’s a journey that typically happened behind closed doors, a personal retreat where I could experiment, learn, and simply be myself.

However, in the past year, my baking journey took a significant turn. I decided it was time to push my boundaries and delve into more challenging techniques and recipes. This era saw me bravely venturing into the delicate art of macaron making, a process notoriously known for its finicky nature, and mastering the rich, velvety perfection of crème brûlée. Each successful bake felt like a triumph, a testament to patience and persistence. As I started sharing these elevated treats with friends, family, and coworkers, I was overwhelmed by the incredibly positive feedback. Their encouragement was a powerful catalyst, planting the seed of an idea I had never seriously considered: sharing my passion more widely.

Coincidentally, my boyfriend happens to be a talented photographer, and his keen eye for detail and stunning visuals provided the perfect complement to my culinary creations. With his encouragement and artistic support, the idea of showcasing my desserts visually became irresistible. The logical next step felt like creating an Instagram account dedicated solely to my baking. I wasn’t entirely sure what to call it initially; the pressure of a perfect name felt daunting. But my eagerness to share outweighed my hesitation, so I opted for something simple and sweet: “kb.confections.” On January 28th, 2020, I made my very first post, officially stepping out of my baking comfort zone and into the vast world of online sharing.

Since that first post, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve had so much fun sharing my culinary creations with a global audience, finding immense joy in documenting each recipe, technique, and finished product. But even more inspiring has been the opportunity to connect with and witness the incredible creativity and talent within the social baking community. It’s truly mind-boggling what some people can achieve with food – the intricate designs, innovative flavor combinations, and sheer artistry are breathtaking. The supportive nature of this community is equally remarkable; it’s a place where bakers uplift each other, share tips, celebrate successes, and offer encouragement through challenges. Discovering this vibrant network has added an entirely new dimension to my baking passion, making it feel less like a solitary pursuit and more like a shared adventure.

Roughly two months after I launched my Instagram account, the world began to change dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. By mid-March, as the virus rapidly spread across the US, my department, like many others, transitioned to working from home indefinitely. Suddenly, my daily routine was upended, and the uncertainty of the future loomed large. Luckily, amidst the chaos and anxiety, I found immense solace in my newfound online hobby. It was a fortunate coincidence that I had just stocked up on baking essentials – a new 10 lb bag of flour, a generous supply of butter, and a carton of eggs – just before the lockdowns began. These simple ingredients became my lifeline during those unprecedented times.

The extra time I gained from staying home all day, freed from commuting and many social obligations, became a surprising blessing. It allowed me to immerse myself even deeper into baking, practicing new techniques, and experimenting with creating my own unique recipes. My kitchen transformed into a sanctuary, a place where I could focus my energy, find comfort, and experience moments of pure joy amidst the global turmoil. Baking became a powerful antidote to the stress and isolation, providing a sense of purpose and a creative escape. During what was undeniably a very dark and challenging period for so many, I was incredibly fortunate to discover something I truly loved, something that brought light and meaning into my days. I am profoundly grateful for that revelation.

This blog, Broken Oven Baking Company, is the natural evolution of that journey – from a quiet personal hobby, to an Instagram account, and now to a dedicated space where I can share even more. The name itself, “Broken Oven,” is a playful nod to the often imperfect, yet always heartfelt, reality of home baking. It acknowledges that not every bake is flawless, but every attempt is a step in the learning process, and the joy of creation remains. Creating food, developing recipes, and now building this blog has ignited a level of motivation within me that I’ve never experienced before. It’s an exciting new chapter, and I wouldn’t be here, sharing these words and recipes with you, if it weren’t for the incredible support, encouragement, and kind feedback I’ve received along the way.

Thank you so much for joining me on this sweet adventure. Your encouragement truly fuels my passion and inspires me to continue exploring the endless possibilities of baking. Here at Broken Oven Baking Company, you can expect to find a wide array of content designed to inspire and delight both novice and experienced bakers alike. I’ll be sharing detailed recipes for everything from comforting classics to adventurous new creations, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your baking success. Beyond recipes, I’ll also delve into baking techniques, ingredient spotlights, troubleshooting common baking woes, and personal stories from my kitchen. My goal is to create a welcoming and engaging space where we can all share our love for baking, learn from each other, and celebrate the simple joy of homemade treats. I genuinely hope you find as much delight and inspiration in this blog as I have found in creating it. Let’s get baking!