Your Neighborhood Cookie Dealer

Before interviewing Lu, I was skeptical of just how good her cookies could be. I mean, they're cookies right? They all taste delicious and provide a sweet, warm pleasure that one can't deny, so what makes Lu's cookies that extra bit special and has everyone addicted? Was it the ingredients used or the method of baking? I was intrigued to find out and watch her in action. 

On arrival to Lu’s home where the magic happens, we were immediately greeted with a warm and welcoming vibe. We followed Lu to the kitchen and made ourselves comfortable as she began arranging her utensils and ingredients.  

After about 30-minutes of prepping the cookies and then another 30-minutes or so of baking, the timer on Lu's phone chimed melodiously, prompting her to remove the batch of warm delights from the oven. An alarm had never sounded so good. During all of the chitchat and questions, the sweet and indulgent smell of the freshly baked cookies had blissfully filled the kitchen area, and it was unbearably mouthwatering. I was smiling on the outside patiently but yearning for a bite on the inside. 

Once the cookies had been removed from the oven and had cooled down, Lu finessed them into an arrangement. Finally, it was time to try one… 

Wow. The taste, the texture, the way the exterior of the cookie complemented the interior was incredible. It was a total moment of heaven for my tastebuds and at that moment, I understood why Lu's cookies and other sweet treats had taken Puerto Vallarta by storm.

But I also realized that the technicalities and following a recipe from her cookbook isn't what makes Lu's cookies special. They're special because of the love and time she puts into each batch. Her passion for baking is deep-rooted and pure. I was mesmerized while watching her peacefully kneed the ingredients together and ensure that all measurements were poured with tenderness. Calming music played in the background as she placidly and methodically navigated the kitchen and utilities. She was in total bliss and enjoyment, ensuring that her cookies radiated the the same feeling of calmness and pleasure that she has to her clients. Baking means more to Lu. To her, it's an art and a form of meditation, and luckily for us, she wants to share that passion with all whom she can. 

Me: How did your baking journey start?

Lu: Well, I started baking cookies as a Christmas gift for my family. I had the idea that instead of buying them presents, I wanted to make them something, so I thought “why don’t I make them cookies?”. My sister Fer and I were talking the other day actually and we started laughing because the first time I made cookies, it was in her house and although they were good in flavor, they came out super hard! You couldn’t bite into them! But I still gave them as a Christmas present, and everyone was being super nice about them and pretending they were good. I said, “it’s kind of like a Biscotti, you have to put it in the coffee or hot chocolate and then eat it”. 

Me: That’s so funny! How many years ago was this?

Lu: I can’t specifically remember but I think around five years ago, maybe six years?

Me: And since then have you baked consistently?

Lu: Yes, the following year I tried a new recipe for Chocolate Chip cookies and they came out really good! So now that’s my Christmas present to my family every year. It’s like a tradition now. They’re always excited about getting the cookies! I think that is also why my chocolate chip cookies are so good as I have been doing them for so long and had so much practice. 

Me: When you started baking did someone hand you down the recipe’s or did you resource them elsewhere?

Lu: It depends on what recipe. I have a lot of different bakes in the Baked Goods by Lu menu. I have grabbed recipes passed down to me by someone else, but I do like to alter them to make them more personal to me. The brownies that I started making recently are a family recipe - they were my grandma’s sister’s recipe and they were famous in Mexico City! Now I have the secret recipe! 

Me: Have you had any challenges with any of your bakes?

Lu: Hm, one thing that I found really challenging when I first started baking brownies, was learning to cut them properly! I didn’t know about this before! Brownies are a weird texture and it can be hard to cut them correctly without ruining the brownie. I actually got a little tip from my friend, which is to let the brownie cool down in the fridge before cutting. I also learned that butter is crucial in baking, so letting the brownie cool down helps the butter set and makes it easier to cut. That was a big challenge for me at the beginning. 

I also learned that I really need to pay attention when baking. Like just now, even though I was talking to you guys, I’m also paying attention to what I’m doing and the measurements that I’m pouring. Measurements are so important in baking. 

Me: Have you ever had to throw away any batches of food because they didn’t turn out right?

Lu: Yes, I’ve had to do that and then remake the batch because I don’t want to sell anything that isn’t the best quality that it can be. I only want sell things that are delicious, so if something is a little bit off, I won’t sell it. 

Me: What is your favorite thing to bake?

Lu: Hm, I like baking the Marble Vegan Banana Bread because of the way you have to create the design of the marble effect using a knife. It’s fun. It also brings out the more creative aspect of baking! I like that part of baking: getting creative. 

Me: Are you planning on expanding your menu?

Lu: Yes. I have recently added the new vegan and keto bakes to my menu which has been interesting for me as they include unique ingredients, such as almond flour and coconut flour. They are very different to work with. I’m also trying out different creations and recipes such as the keto coconut cookie and the keto lemon cookie. For me, anything lemon for desert is my favorite! I would also like to start baking tarts and add more bakes with fresh fruits. 

Me: What has been the highlight of your baking experience so far?

Lu: Well, my journey definitely started in a great moment with quarantine as a lot of people were at home and wanting to try new foods. It has its ups and downs, as does any starting business. Some weeks are very busy and some weeks are very quiet, but as a friend told me, “don’t give up and keep going”. 

It’s also so nice to know that people enjoy my food with their family. I love seeing the videos of their children trying my cookies. Sometimes, if people are having a family reunion they ask me to bake cookies for them and I feel so happy. That’s part of what I have in mind when baking, sharing and bringing people together. Baking even brings back memories. For example, chocolate chip cookies can remind you of your childhood and it takes you back and it’s a whole experience. That’s what I want them to be: a whole experience. 

Me: What do you think your strengths are as a baker?

Lu: I pay attention and I’m a perfectionist. I think that I am a perfectionist in a different type of way though. Some people think that a perfectionist is having everything in order. I am a perfectionist in the way that if I do something, I want it to be the best. If I’m creating something, I want it to be the best and won’t settle for less. Also, (I know it sounds cheesy) but putting an intention to these goods and trying to share the love through these baked goods is very important to me.

Me: If your business was a movie or character, who would it be?

Lu: I love this question! When I’m baking, I feel like it’s an art and a creation. Now that you ask me this question, I remember the movie called Chocolat. The woman in the movie makes chocolates and when she bakes, it’s like she’s performing a beautiful dance. I was like.. wow! I’ve seen the movie so many times. Seeing how she gets into the baking zone, that’s how I like to get with my baking – even if it’s just one order. I like to put my music on and just feel relaxed before baking, knowing that I don’t have to rush. I like to have time. 

Me: Would you say that baking has become a form of meditation for you?

Lu: Yes, definitely. Baking brings me to that moment of calmness and attention.The more present I am, the better the cookies are. My energy transmits through the food. 

Me: In the future would you ever like to have your own bakery?

Lu: Yes, that would be so cool!

To get your batch of delicious and other Baked Goods by Lu, please follow her on Instagram: @BakedGoodsByLu