Loria Stern
Loria Stern is perhaps best known for her pressed flower shortbread cookies. The West Coast based baker has taken Instagram by storm with her colorful confections, often turning to the natural world for inspiration and ingredients. In our 11th edition of Cultivating Conversations, we spoke to Loria about her journey with baked goods and what inspires her to keep creating.
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
“I'm an artist, chef and baker. I've always loved to bake since I was little.”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
WHEN DID YOUR BAKING TURN FROM A HOBBY
TO SOMETHING FULL TIME?
“I started working in the culinary industry in 2010, and since then I was always making a living working in a kitchen.”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
“I've always loved nature however gardening started for me when my edible flower cookie biz took off.”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
WHAT WAS THE TIPPING POINT IN YOUR BAKING EXPERIENCE? WAS THERE A STANDOUT PRODUCT THAT BECAME MORE IN DEMAND THAN THE REST?
“Definitely my flower pressed shortbread cookies!”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
YOU’RE KNOWN FOR CREATING PLANT BASED TREATS.
WAS THAT A PERSONAL CHOICE OR DID
YOU SEE THAT AS A TREND?
“My first job in the culinary industry was at a vegan cafe in my hometown, so that was definitely a part of my interest in plant based cooking. Not all of my confections are vegan but it is how I like to eat the majority of the time.”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
HOW DOES SUSTAINABILITY PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
“I try to be mindful of where I purchase ingredients (who I support), the packaging that I use, and daily water and conservation tricks around the kitchen.”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF FLOWERS YOU
USE IN YOUR WORK, HOW DO YOU KEEP TRACK
OF WHICH VARIETIES ARE EDIBLE?
“I only grow flowers that are edible and buy edible flowers from sources that I trust.”
There are more edible flowers out there than what one would normally think, however they should not be sprayed with chemicals and grown organically.
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
YOU’RE CONSTANTLY CREATING NEW PRODUCTS. WHAT INSPIRES YOU DAILY?
“Nature, seasonal ingredients, foods of all cultures, and new recipes.”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LORIA STERN?
“I'm writing a cookbook! It's set to be out in Spring 2023. I'm thrilled.”
Photo Credit: Loria Stern