About us

Hello and welcome!

We’re Susan and Rachel, a mother-daughter duo baking up small-batch goodness from our family kitchen in central Illinois.

What began with a sourdough starter and a few loaves shared among friends has gently grown into something more—a micro bakery rooted in rhythm, relationship, and the joy of home. I (Susan) have always believed food is one of the best ways to love people, and while I enjoy feeding a crowd, it’s Rachel who truly has the baking love language. She’s the creative hands behind many of the beautiful things we offer, and together we make a pretty sweet team.

Our bakery isn’t a storefront. It’s not open daily, and we don’t bake on a fixed schedule. We offer what we can, when we can—thoughtful menus shared here on the blog and on Facebook, with everything available by pre-order for porch pick-up only. Each bake is made from scratch in our home kitchen under the Illinois Cottage Food Law, with simple ingredients and careful attention.

You won’t find mass production here—just the real-deal kind of baking: slow, intentional, made with care.

From soft sandwich breads and biscuits to cinnamon rolls, cookies, and seasonal treats, our menu changes based on the season, what we’re excited about, and what we know our regulars are craving. Occasionally, we’ll also offer baking/cooking classes or special-order windows. When that happens, you’ll see all the details posted right here.

This little bakery is an extension of our home, our hearts, and the way we love people—with warm bread, sweet treats, shared laughter, and a simple invitation to slow down and savor.

A bit more about us?

I’m Susan—wife to my high school sweetheart, mom to five grown children, and “Ma-ma” to a growing bunch of grand-littles. I’ve spent over forty years as a homemaker and still find deep joy in making things from scratch, feeding people, and creating spaces where others feel welcome.

Rachel is a creative old soul with a knack for beautiful presentation, careful flavor, and thoughtful detail. She’s the kind of baker who notices texture, temperature, and timing. Her hands are often dusted with flour, and her heart is fully in the work.

Together, we’re not chasing big dreams—we’re simply offering what we love, in small and meaningful ways.

Whether you’ve come to place an order, browse the menu, or just peek in on what’s baking, we’re so glad you’re here. This is one corner of our story, and if you’d like to read more about the life behind the loaves, you’re always welcome to visit my main blog, Simply Susan.

Because around here, there’s always room for one more.

With warmth and gratitude,

Susan & Rachel