Hi, about me

I’m Ivanka—and I’m So Glad You’re Here
Welcome to my kitchen—my happy place, and now, hopefully, yours too.
this space is where my heart, heritage, and homemade baking come together to bring you sweet, simple, and soul-satisfying recipes, all made from scratch.

Thank you for stopping by. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a returning friend, it means the world to me that you’re here.

Let me take you back to where it all began…about me

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

A Little Girl in a Big City Kitchen

about me

I grew up in the heart of New York City—a place known for its hustle, energy, and endless possibilities. But in all that noise and motion, there was a quiet place filled with magic: my grandmother’s kitchen in a modest brownstone tucked between Brooklyn’s bustling streets.

Unlike the city outside, her home felt like a world of its own. There was always a warm glow, like sunlight caught in a jar, and a smell—oh, the smell—that wrapped around you like a soft blanket: cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, browned butter, herbs picked fresh from the tiny balcony garden she tended with so much love.

As an only child in a busy city, my world was small but vibrant, and Grandma’s kitchen was its glowing center. Her hands told stories—kneading, stirring, shaping dough, as if she were weaving magic into every pie crust and cookie sheet. Her cooking wasn’t just delicious. It was soulful. Intentional. Healing.

About me : The Spark That Lit the Fire

Some kids played video games. I watched my grandmother bake golden loaves of banana bread as effortlessly as breathing. While others ran through playgrounds, I sat at the kitchen table, legs swinging, scribbling down what I thought were “secret recipes,” even though Grandma cooked by memory, touch, and love.

And among all her ingredients, one stole my heart every single time: strawberries.

She grew them in little pots on the fire escape, red jewels that flourished against the odds. They were our symbol—resilient, sweet, full of sunshine and hope. Strawberries became our tradition, from warm jam on toast to shortcakes baked on lazy summer evenings. That one ingredient taught me that even something small could carry so much joy.

By the time I was 18, I was already elbow-deep in flour and sugar, trying to recreate the tastes and smells of her kitchen. I burned more cookies than I’d like to admit. But I was learning, tasting, failing, and falling in love with baking in a way that felt like a calling.

Carrying the Flame

Now I’m 32, and while my grandmother is no longer here in person, she is with me in every bowl I whisk and every tray I pull from the oven. Her love lives on in the way I fold butter into dough, her patience in how I wait for bread to rise, and her joy in the way I share my creations.

This blog—my sweet little corner of the internet—is more than a collection of recipes. It’s a living tribute to her, and to the beauty of slowing down, rolling up your sleeves, and making something meaningful with your own two hands.

I know the kitchen can feel intimidating. Maybe you’ve tried baking and felt overwhelmed. Perhaps life is busy and messy, and the idea of measuring and mixing feels like one more thing. But here’s the secret: baking isn’t just about perfection. It’s about presence.

That’s why every recipe I create is meant to be approachable, forgiving, and joyful. I want you to feel empowered, whether you’re baking your first batch of cookies or tackling your hundredth loaf of sourdough.

Why Trust My Recipes?

I bring over 3 years of hands-on baking experience, not from a culinary school, but from real life: early mornings in a small New York kitchen, late-night inspiration, and years of trial and error. My passion runs deep, and my process is grounded in love, precision, and a playful approach.

While I admire the science of baking, I believe you don’t need to be a chemist to succeed in the kitchen. You just need a little guidance, a little patience, and a whole lot of heart.

Every recipe on this blog has been tested, refined, and made with you in mind—easy-to-follow steps, common ingredients, and tips to help you feel confident no matter your skill level.

The Magic of Homemade

In our home, the oven is always warm and the table is always open. I believe in the quiet power of homemade food: the way it slows us down, brings us together, and creates moments we never forget.

A batch of cookies can say “I love you.” A warm pie can mean “I’m proud of you.” And a perfectly imperfect cake can say, “We made it through the week.”

A Peek Into My Everyday
When I’m not baking, you’ll find me curled up with a book and a strong cup of coffee, watching the seasons change from my apartment window, or daydreaming about new flavor combinations. I’m a firm believer in the magic of small things: handwritten notes, surprise muffins for neighbors, the first snowfall last strawberry of summer.

This blog is my way of sharing those moments with you. The recipes, yes—but also the heart behind them.

Because food is more than nourishment. It’s memory. It’s legacy. It’s love.

What you’ll find here

On this site, you’ll discover 3 more unique things:

Sweet Treats that are simple but special—cookies, cakes, muffins, and more

From-Scratch Recipes that don’t require fancy tools or rare ingredients

Tips and Tricks to help you build confidence in your baking journey

Seasonal Favorites inspired by the colors, smells, and flavors of New York

Stories and Memories woven into each recipe, to remind you you’re not alone in your kitchen

Whether you’re here to find the perfect birthday cake, learn how to make flaky biscuits, or simply read something that warms your heart, you’re in the right place.

Let’s Bake Together
If my grandma taught me anything, it’s that food has the power to heal, connect, and uplift. It reminds us who we are and where we come from. And if we’re lucky, it even shows us who we’re meant to become.

So grab a mixing bowl, take a deep breath, and know that you’re part of something beautiful here.

I’m so happy you’re here. Truly.

Let’s turn simple ingredients into something magical—together.

With love
Ivanka .