thelaughingtart

Meet the baker

If I'm not baking, I'm definitely thinking about baking. You can tell by the look on my face.

Alexandra Scott, the Laughing Tart. I've had a strong connection to baking ever since watching and helping my Grannie bake when I was growing up in the Midwest (back then "helping" was mostly eating, but you gotta start somewhere). The magical transformation of simple ingredients into something so much greater than the sum of the parts always held a special fascination for me.

My hometown was also famous for it's Danish and German bakeries. So as an incurable sweet tooth and unrepentant pastry hound, I developed a pretty serious baked-goods habit. I've subsequently spent most of my life thinking about, reading about, an seeking out amazing baked goods, ever in search of the perfect cake, cookie, or pastry. When I finally realized I could make the sweets I wanted to see in the world, the dream of The Laughing Tart was born.

At first my baking was part personal challenge, part obsession. Slowly, I felt the calling to make it something more — to share it with others and help it grow full circle to the connection I felt with the bakers and bakeries of my childhood. Now that I've started down this path, the journey has become everything.

So thanks for meeting me on the way. I can't wait for you to join me for a "bite of sweet" — I hope you enjoy eating it as much as I enjoy baking it.

About my baking

Handmade, from scratch. I strive to make everything by hand, from scratch. I do source a few ingredients (like sprinkles) that are somewhat time- or cost-prohibitive to make myself, but generally if I can make it, I do.

High-quality ingredients. I firmly believe that if you're going to indulge, it ought to be worth the calories (preach, Prue Leith)! So I seek out the finest ingredients (from brands including Guittard, Valrhona, Callebaut, Nielsen Massey, King Arthur, Domino, Bob's Red Mill, and others) and choose organics whenever possible. I refuse to skimp on what goes into my baking, and I'm confident you'll taste that quality in every bite.

Baked to order. I don't bake it until you order it. My baked goods are free of preservatives (and other fake stuff), so they are best enjoyed in the first few days after delivery. If you prefer to pace yourself (which I understand, if only in theory) many of my baked goods can be frozen for longer shelf life.

Customization. I offer a set menu of treats based on what I'm baking at the time, but feel free to ask about customizations and special orders. Small batches mean I can often accomodate (reasonable) requests. Price adjustments may be necessary.