Many of my earliest memories are of baking with my mother. My most favorite early memories are of helping decorate the sugar cookies for the cookie platters my brothers and I would deliver to the neighbors for Christmas gifts.

My mother was raised on a farm, and the importance of food and working together as a family was instilled in us by both of our parents at a very early age. Just the thought or smell of certain cookies and quick breads brings me back to those fond childhood memories instantly. My mother and I still bake together whenever we can.

After studying Culinary Arts at a local technical high school, I went on to study Baking and Pastry Arts at The Culinary Institute of America. I gathered seven years professional experience as a baker and cake decorator, and many more years baking for friends and family.

My career choices actually took me away from the professional kitchen for a few years, but the yearning to share my favorite foods with others caused me to return and start my own business. When I discovered that an old classmate from culinary school had a commercial kitchen that would be available for rent, I jumped at the chance to start my own business -- Gracie Mae's Kitchen, named for two of my nieces. I love to bake, and feeding people makes me happy.

So here I am today, with wholesale and internet cookie sales, happily baking and looking to expand Gracie Mae's Kitchen product lines. Keep on the lookout for pies, quick breads, and more cookie varieties in the coming months ... including our family's favorite holiday cookies!

Jen Chominski
Owner/Baker