welcome!
Hey there, I'm Kayla!
I picked up my first cookie cutter when I was 5 and camera when I was 15...but I never thought it'd turn into this!
I'm from a small town in Wisconsin where I grew up painting icing on cut-out cookies in my grandma's kitchen every holiday with my sister. Without my grandma & her hand-me-down stand mixer, my baking passion never would've grown this much!
Let's Start from the Beginning...
During my awkward adolescent phase, most of my time was spent on my computer making animated logos for AIM and attempting to design layouts for websites like Xanga & Neopets. I've always been very quiet & introverted and amazed by technology!
In high school, I took a couple of photography classes. They taught me basic photography elements, camera settings, and how to develop film. These were my favorite classes (probably ever) and I dream of having a dark room in my future home!
A budding interest in baking...
When I left for college, my grandma gave me her old stand mixer. It had a missing screw so the neck was a bit wobbly, but it kept me baking! Chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake bites topped with cherry pie filling were my go-tos!
After majoring in biology & working in research, I realized I just wasn't happy in corporate roles and who knew if I ever would be?
The Pandemic Shift
In early 2020, right before the pandemic hit, I decided I needed a hobby (we've all been there, right?!), so I challenged myself to make macarons! After a few attempts, over half the shells were smooth and had feet! I was very proud, so my partner Chris (who's a photographer), snapped a few photos and my baking Instagram was born!
...and then came Broken Oven Baking!
Soon after joining the Insta baking community, I realized how fun & supportive the industry is! I wanted to contribute by sharing my own simple & delicious recipes that everyone could make in their own kitchen! I started working on this blog, which I launched in May of 2020. Shortly after, I bought my own camera and took over the photographer duties from Chris.
There was & always will be a lot to learn in the blogging and photography world, which makes it super exciting! I'm finally doing something I'm passionate about, meeting so many inspiring & talented people, and working with brands that I truly love!
What Will You Find on Broken Oven Baking Company?
- Simple & delicious mostly sweet & indulgent recipes that I've tested in my own kitchen that I hope you'll try and love!
- An email newsletter where I share with you new recipes, resources, featured bakers, and life updates every other week!
- Food blog coaching dedicated to helping food bloggers learn, grow, and connect with one another!
- Baking and photography tips & tricks, along with any other blogging resources here.
- All of my favorite kitchen and photography equipment that's essential to me!
Banana Berry Protein Smoothie
This recipe's different than my usual sweets, but I make these smoothies for Chris and I every day and wanted to share them with you!
⭐️ Bake like a pro!
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More About Kayla & the Blog
When I made this blog, I was living in a small 100+ year-old Chicago studio apartment. It had a miniature gas oven that caused all sorts of problems while baking! I brainstormed names with friends for a while and ultimately chose Broken Oven Baking Company because it tells a story about how it all got started!
It is quite a mouthful! I usually refer to it as "BOBCo" (pronounced Bob Co.) or just "BOB". I actually thought about this when coming up with the name and enjoyed these nicknames!
First of all, I'm super excited that you're here and you want to try baking! My cookies have had a lot of success with new bakers (especially my raspberry crumble cookies)!
When I'm looking for a challenge, I usually turn to macarons! My S'mores Macarons are one of my favorites and they use the Swiss Method!
No, I personally don't specialize in these types of desserts. There are so many amazing healthy & vegan food blogs out there, though!
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