Hi, I’m Aly — or Alyssa — a 27-year-old baker with deep Sicilian roots. I grew up in Philadelphia, where I learned to bake using recipes passed down through generations. Baking became my way of holding onto the sweet moments of my childhood. The aroma of anise biscotti, especially, brings me right back to my grandparents’ kitchen — the one I was raised in — sitting with my Pop for hours, sharing coffee, biscotti, and stories about everything from his farm and produce store to his love for old country music – especially Hank Williams.
Biscotti always had a special place in our family. My great-grandma had a funny habit of sneaking a few into the pockets of her housecoat — I’d always catch her by the window, happily munching away like it was our little secret.
In 2021, God led me to a fresh start and a brighter future. I left behind Philly cheesesteaks for Florida sunshine, ready to embrace new experiences and hold onto the joy I longed for. In August 2023, I lost my grandfather — the man who brought so much light to my childhood. A year later, in August 2024, I married the best product tester and quality control manager (my husband, of course!) and was also diagnosed with a few autoimmune diseases.
That season was full of challenges and unexpected turns, but it also sparked a new passion: creating delicious, feel-good treats without refined sugar or dyes. Now, all my Italian cookies and pastries are made with monk fruit, a natural sugar alternative, and I follow a Mediterranean-style approach using high-quality, wholesome ingredients.
Baking has always been a gift, but over time, it’s become my way of serving others — inspired by 1 Peter 4:10-11. At Heaven Kneads, LLC, I pour my love and faith into every cookie and pastry I make. My hope is that they bring joy to your home and create sweet memories, just like they’ve done for mine.
“As each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God—whoever speaks, as one speaking the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and might forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:10-11