About Auntie O

My journey into the world of baking began with a life-changing gift from a dear friend: an Emile Henry pie dish, a Williams-Sonoma baking book, and a gift certificate for classes at the California Culinary Academy on Polk Street.

Eager to start, I convinced my husband to join me. We signed up for back-to-back Saturday classes—Pies and Tarts for me, California Cuisine for him. While we both had some kitchen experience, we left with entirely new skills. For the first time, pie crusts seemed effortless. I discovered that with the right technique and a stand mixer, I could forever banish store-bought crusts from my Thanksgiving table. Baking in a commercial kitchen was a revelation; I felt an immediate sense of belonging and knew I had been bitten by the "baking bug."

Though my career as an accountant left little free time, baking became my cherished escape. I took classes whenever possible, but each one only deepened my hunger to learn more. When I transitioned into consulting, the flexible schedule finally provided the opportunity I needed. I enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College and earned a Culinary Arts Baking and Pastry Certificate of Achievement.

There, I found my true joy—creating everything from pastries and breads to ice cream and desserts. I honed my skills and learned the power of my own hands to mix, whip, and knead. I began practicing my new craft by providing desserts for family and friends, and their enthusiastic feedback was all the encouragement I needed. They became my devoted taste-testers, their requests multiplying and their referrals spreading.

This passion, born from a friend's thoughtful gift, has now blossomed into Auntie O’s. We handcraft sweet and savory treats from the freshest ingredients in a commercial kitchen, taking pride in bringing your vision to life with custom creations for any event. It would be our honor to be a part of your next celebration!