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Welcome to Dani's Kitchen Blog
Pull up a chair and grab a cookie — you’re in the right place.
Here in the Dani’s Kitchen Blog, you’ll find stories, recipes, and real talk from life inside (and outside) the bakery. From cookie decorating tips and seasonal inspo to behind-the-scenes peeks at running a creative business, this is where we mix a little bit of everything.
Whether you’re a fellow baker, small business dreamer, or just here for the sweets, you’ll find something to spark your creativity and feed your soul.
Stay awhile, explore the latest posts, and don’t forget to join our email list for fresh bakes and business tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Introducing Mixing Up Success: The Podcast for Bakers and Small Business Owners Ready to Rise
I finally decided to stop waiting for perfect and just start.
And that’s how Mixing Up Success was born — a podcast for bakers, makers, and small business owners who are ready to blend together the right ingredients for a thriving business and a lifestyle they love.
Dani Annala
Nov 143 min read
From Finland to Hood River: A Family Legacy in Pears Continues with Herb’s Harvest
Zachary and Hilma Annala In 1909, my husband Herbie’s great-grandparents, Zachary and Hilma Annala, left the prairies of North Dakota for the fertile soils of Oregon’s Hood River Valley. They purchased the Chandler property on Country Club Road and planted apples, strawberries, and pears. That move marked the beginning of a family tradition now more than a century old: farming the valley’s orchards with grit, care, and a long view for the next generation. Their journey began
Dani Annala
Oct 253 min read
The 5 Ingredients Every Baking Business Needs to Rise
If you’re dreaming of turning your baking passion into a business, or you’re already managing custom orders, pop-ups, and content creation, these are the five ingredients every successful bakery owner needs to thrive.
Dani Annala
Oct 163 min read
How Baking Science Builds Confidence in Your Kitchen
Baking isn’t just about recipes. It’s about confidence. And confidence comes from understanding what’s happening inside that bowl of flour and butter.
Dani Annala
Oct 61 min read
Why Your Royal Icing Keeps Failing (And How to Fix It)
The truth is, royal icing isn’t just a recipe — it’s a technique. Little tweaks make a huge difference in your cookie decorating game.
Dani Annala
Oct 21 min read
The Secret to Flaky, Foolproof Pie Crust (It’s Science!)
Flaky Pie Dough is all about science. If you’ve ever pulled a pie out of the oven only to discover a tough crust, greasy bottom, or...
Dani Annala
Sep 231 min read
Mastering the Holiday Rush: Transform Your Bakery Experience
The truth is, the holiday rush doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need a plan.
Dani Annala
Aug 193 min read
More Than Just Lemonade: Teaching My Kids to Run Their First Business
This summer, I made a commitment that goes far beyond keeping my kids entertained during the long break from school. With my background...
Dani Annala
Jul 233 min read
Three Years in My Dream Kitchen: Building More Than a Business
July 16, 2022, I stepped into my dream kitchen for the first time. What started as a personal milestone has become something far greater...
Dani Annala
Jul 142 min read
Why We Do Business Differently at Dani's Kitchen Shop (And Why That's Exactly the Point)
"Why aren't you open for regular retail hours?" "When are you going to expand your bakery products?" "Don't you want to grow your...
Dani Annala
Jul 13 min read
Elevate Your Small Business Marketing with Radiate & Thrive
Ten years ago, I started my business with nothing but a dream. I believed that hard work and great products would lead to success. I...
Dani Annala
Jun 24 min read
Dani's Kitchen Shop: A Journey of Creativity and Connection
When I started Dani’s Kitchen Shop ten years ago, I had one dream: to create a teaching kitchen. I envisioned a space filled with warmth,...
Dani Annala
May 92 min read
Finding My Authentic Voice: A Spontaneous Journey
Ten years ago, I didn't set out to create a "brand voice" for Dani's Kitchen Shop. I simply started sharing photos of my cookie art and...
Dani Annala
May 23 min read
Brand Colors: What They Reveal About Your Business (And Why Authenticity Matters Most)
Have you ever wondered why you instantly recognize certain businesses just by glimpsing their colors? Or why some brand palettes make you...
Dani Annala
Apr 252 min read
My Macaron Journey: Patience, Persistence, and Sweet Success
The path to macaron mastery has been a winding one for me. Back in 2019, I dreamed of creating these delicate French confections...
Dani Annala
Apr 113 min read
Finding My Authentic Voice: Dani's Kitchen Shop Story
Seven years ago, when I piped my first public set of cookies and snapped a quick photo to share, I had no idea I was taking the first...
Dani Annala
Apr 44 min read
10 Years In: Building a Community of Small Business Growth
When I launched Dani's Kitchen Shop in 2015, I had no idea where this journey would take me. With a background in education, program...
Dani Annala
Mar 193 min read
Cookies With Purpose: Radiating Stories, Raising Awareness, One Bite at Time
What began as a heartfelt response to my college best friend Maddee's colon cancer diagnosis in 2023 has grown into something bigger than...
Dani Annala
Feb 284 min read
RADIATE: Our Word for 2025
You know that magical moment in class when someone's eyes light up? When they finally nail that cookie design they've been practicing, or...
Dani Annala
Jan 82 min read
Beyond Cookies: Connecting People Through Food and Conversation
As we wrap up 2024, we want to share these conversation starters with our community.
Dani Annala
Dec 21, 20242 min read
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