From Code to Cakes: How Michael’s Baked Again Came to Be

Hey there, fellow foodies and treat lovers! Michael here, and if you’re reading this, you’ve likely stumbled upon a passion project that’s been bubbling in the background for most of my life. For years, I’ve been crafting delicious desserts for friends, family, and anyone who’d lend an eager palate. Now, with a little nudge from life (and a lot of encouragement from my amazing wife, Amanda), I’m thrilled to officially welcome you to Michael’s Baked Again!

My Journey: From Tech Guy to Baker Extraordinaire

You might be surprised to learn that for the better part of 25 years, my professional life revolved around a screen, not an oven. I’ve spent my career as a “tech guy,” managing teams of brilliant web developers and wrangling code. But even during my most intense coding sprints, the kitchen always called to me.

My love for baking started way back when I was just a kid. I even have some adorable (and slightly embarrassing!) photos of “little Michael” sporting a chef’s hat, already covered in flour.

Baking for Everyone: My Allergen-Friendly Approach

Over the years, I developed some issues with lactose, which led me down a fascinating path of experimentation. A lot of what I baked started to work around that allergy, pushing me to constantly look for ways to make my treats as allergen-free as possible. This wasn’t just about my own needs; it was about ensuring everyone could enjoy a delicious treat without worry.

Because of this, I’ve learned a ton! I now have a deep understanding of what can and can’t be gluten-free, which recipes absolutely need eggs, and where a clever replacement can work wonders. My goal is to create delightful desserts that cater to various dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture.

My Baking Style: Variety, Challenge, and Creativity

What do I love to bake? Everything! From towering layer cakes to delicate cookies and hearty breads, my oven sees it all. If I had to pick a favorite, I think I enjoy making bite-sized treats the most – mini muffins, mini bundt cakes, and especially tartlets. They’re just so charming!

But really, what I love most is a challenge. There’s nothing better than diving into a new creation, researching ingredients, testing different methods, and ideating until I perfect a recipe I’ve never made before. It’s a creative process that truly energizes me. While I have go-to recipes that I use often (sometimes with a little flavor riffing!), I’m constantly looking for new inspirations and pushing my boundaries.

And it’s not just about taste; my treats must look as good as they taste! I try to be creative with presentation – remember those eyeball macarons? That was a fun idea!

Meet Amanda: The Artistic Touch

Speaking of creativity, that’s where my incredible wife, Amanda, comes in. If a treat requires a truly creative eye or a delicate artistic touch, it goes straight to her. Amanda is the artist behind many of our most beautiful creations. Just look at the stunning roses she piped on these wedding cupcakes! (You can see them here: Floral Bouquet Cupcakes/). She also handles all the intricate piping and painting for our pumpkin rolls, though we’re looking into using stencils so I can get in on some of the decorating fun too!

Amanda’s path has been just as interesting as mine. For many years, she was a dedicated high school science teacher. But when COVID-19 hit, we had to make some big decisions, and continuing to work safely became a challenge for her. She pivoted her career beautifully and now works as a Program Coordinator for the TECBio (Training and Experimentation in Computational Biology) program at the University of Pittsburgh. It’s wonderful to see her come home excited about her accomplishments, now with adults (instead of high school students!) to collaborate with during the day. We’re a true team, both in life and in the kitchen.

The Leap of Faith: Michael’s Baked Again is Born!

So, how did this long-time hobby transform into a full-fledged business? Well, sometimes life gives you a gentle push, and sometimes it gives you a good, swift kick! I was unfortunately laid off from my full-time gig. It was a blow, no doubt. But after the initial shock, I decided to channel some of that downtime into something positive and fulfilling: turning Michael’s Baked Again into a real business.

We now have a dedicated kitchen equipped with commercial equipment, ensuring top-notch quality and efficiency. And, thanks to my web development background, I was able to build this website myself! (Let me know what you think!)

And the name? “Michael’s Baked Again.” I thought it was funny, and it’s certainly fun to say, “Look! Michael’s Baked Again!” It perfectly captures my passion and the journey that brought me here.

Your Custom Treat Awaits!

At Michael’s Baked Again, we truly believe we can bake anything you can dream of. If I’ve never made it before, all the better – I thrive on the challenge and will practice until I get it just right! This website is here to highlight what we’ve done in the past, give you an idea of our capabilities, and provide some cost guidance.

While you can certainly place orders directly through our e-commerce site, for truly custom creations – specific colors, dietary precautions, bulk pricing, or unique designs – we highly recommend sending us a note through our contact form . Let’s chat about your specific needs and bring your vision to life!

We lovingly make all our goods in Mars, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh. You’re welcome to pick up your orders directly from us, or we can work out a convenient delivery mechanism, whether it’s meeting halfway or arranging a delivery for a small fee.

I want to bake. I want to bake for you. Talk to us, and let Michael’s Baked Again create the perfect treats to make your event or special day even more memorable. We can’t wait to hear from you!