The Little Home Baker

For years, Alicia Zillotti-Inch was running herself ragged, holding down a corporate job that consumed her.

Then her life was turned upside down when she suffered a heart attack. Zillotti-Inch said she did plenty of soul searching, and wanted to leave corporate America and find a way to turn her longtime passion for baking into a business opportunity.

“I thought to myself what can I do to take what I know and pass it along to others,” Zillotti-Inch said.

Last year she established The Little Home Baker, offering classes to children whose parents want a different type of activity for their children.

To make things more convenient for parents, Zillotti-Inch brings all of her utensils and other baking equipment, as well as ingredients, with her. She then goes to work teaching children, from three years old, how to bake cupcakes, pies, chocolate chip banana bread and many other delectable treats in one-and-a-half- to two-hour sessions. On occasion she also teaches them how to decorate cakes and cupcakes.

“My classes provide hands-on experience creating foods that are appealing for kids,” said Zillotti-Inch, who uses organic ingredients and other substitutions, such as apple sauce instead of butter or oil, low-fat dairy products and the addition of carrots or zucchini in breads and cakes.

Zillotti-Inch, who attended culinary school for a brief time and holds an MBA, also tries to incorporate the science behind baking into her classes, such as explaining to children the difference between baking soda and baking powder and why wet and dry ingredients are combined.

“I try to engage the children and make a learning experience out of it as well as making it age-appropriate for them,” she said.

Zillotti-Inch offers classes in small groups as well as mommy-and-me-type sessions. She is open to providing baking classes in preschools and daycare facilities. She is also available to offer “moms’ night in” baking demonstrations, where guests make a dessert and get to drink a glass of wine.

Zillotti-Inch, who grew up in Pleasantville and now lives in Goldens Bridge, remembers watching her grandmother bake an assortment of Italian desserts and other delicious fare. Even when she was working full-time in human resource management, she was always drawn to baking.

“While I have studied and crafted my techniques over the years, some of these skills just seemed to come naturally,” she said.

She also offers unique birthday party experiences for children, working with parents to determine the theme of each party and other details. Each child gets a disposable chef’s apron and other tools necessary for the class.

In the past, Zillotti-Inch has organized ice cream socials and has included art-related activities into her baking sessions.

“As long as I can do it, I am very open to what parents want for their children, including any special requests,” she added.

In addition, she makes an assortment of cakes and other goodies for any occasion, and delivers throughout Westchester, Putnam and southern Connecticut, including Danbury and Greenwich.

“I love working with children,” Zillotti-Inch said. “There’s nothing like seeing their faces light up when they learn a new skill and see what they can create. Baking gives them the opportunity to be hands-on and feel a sense of accomplishment.”

For more information on her baking classes or to order a cake or other special treat, contact Alicia Zillotti-Inch at thelittlehomebaker@gmail.com or check out the company’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/The-Little-Home-Baker-NY-1713243048912786/.