Small Kitchen, Big Flavours
Baking in a Tiny Space and Embracing the Challenge
If I gave you a behind the scenes peek into my bakery, you’ll notice very quickly that there is no fancy commercial kitchen or industrial equipment in there. It’s just me, a regular stove, and lots of late nights to bring you freshly made desserts. And if you’ve been keeping an eye on my socials, you’ll know that things are changing! After nearly 3 years in beautiful North Bay, Ontario, I’m moving back to Sudbury to plant roots in my new tiny home!
Yep, you read that right. I’ll be condensing and refining the bakery into an 8ft x 20ft space and I’m surprisingly excited? Things aren’t fully set up yet, in fact there’s a good bit of work still needing to be done, but I’m embracing the change and leaning fully into the idea that good things come from small spaces.
Why Small-Space Baking Works for Me
There’s something magical about small-batch bakeries. You just know there is intent and purpose behind everything done in that tiny space. In a compact kitchen, every inch counts. Every tool, every tray, every ingredient has earned its right to a place on a shelf or in a drawer. I have a good feeling that the smaller space will also keep my mind clutter-free (hello anxiety!) leading to more effective production of sweet treats.
What I’ve Learned from Baking from a Home-Based Kitchen
Planning is everything. Knowing what I’ll be baking for the upcoming week is crucial. It helps me prep and avoid cluttered chaos in the physical space and in my head. Lists are my best friend!
Multi-purpose tools are gold. My KitchenAid mixer is a frosting maker, cake batter churner, macaronage machine, bread kneader and more. I have an expanding cooling rack that is such a space saver. And hold onto your hats, food colouring is the best paint for fondant and for your kid’s science experiments. “Mom, I need colours for my potion!’
Clean-as-you-go isn’t optional. It becomes a war zone in here quickly if clean up isn’t done as you go. I won’t lie, when it’s market season, my previous kitchen (and dining room and living room) would become a battle field of icing sugar, cupcakes, macaron shells and packaging.
Looking Ahead: Baking from a Tiny Home
Moving into a tiny home is a big lifestyle shift, but I’ve dreamed of this for years and I’d like to think life has handed it to me when I needed it most. I’m hopeful for a life of minimalism, financial freedom (no thank you $500,000 home), and a closer connection to myself. This is an investment in my mental, spiritual and financial health.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a large kitchen to have brave dreams and big ideas, I’m here to let you know you don’t. All you need is some guts, creativity, and maybe a really good spatula.
