In Rochester, Minnesota, a small batch bakery is gaining recognition in the local food scene. Elisabeth Johnson, the founder and baker behind Rosemary & Lavender Bakery, has been crafting artisanal baked goods with a commitment to local sourcing since 2019. Her cottage bakery has quickly become known for connecting consumers with the farmers who grow their food, delivering flavors that tell stories of heritage and travel.
From Farm to Oven
Elisabeth Johnson’s journey as a baker began with a powerful vision – to bridge the gap between those who grow food and those who enjoy it. Since founding Rosemary & Lavender Bakery in May 2019, she has been meticulously crafting clean, artisanal foods that showcase the bounty of Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. Her bakery operates under the cottage food law, allowing her to make-to-order delicacies directly from her home kitchen in Rochester.
A Family-Powered Cottage Kitchen
The family affair at Rosemary & Lavender Bakery adds warmth to each creation that leaves Elisabeth’s kitchen. Her husband and son work alongside her as essential companions in this culinary journey, supporting operations from ingredient sourcing to order fulfillment. This family-centered approach perfectly complements Elisabeth’s mission of fostering community connections through food.
Rochester residents can find her goods by placing custom orders via email or by visiting the Rochester Farmers Market, where she sells her creations approximately twice a month.
Rooted in Minnesota, Inspired by the World
At the core of Elisabeth’s business model is a commitment to knowing the exact origin of each ingredient. This transparency not only ensures quality but also strengthens the local agricultural economy as she partners with Minnesota farmers to source the freshest seasonal ingredients. Her dedication to this connection between consumer and grower has earned her a loyal following in the Rochester community, where customers appreciate both the quality of her baking and the stories behind each ingredient.
A Taste of Slow Food Philosophy
Elisabeth’s culinary philosophy centers around what she calls a “slow food ethic” – a deliberate approach that honors both ingredients and the eating experience. Each recipe is crafted to be worth savoring, encouraging customers to slow down and truly appreciate the flavors and craftsmanship in every bite. This philosophy extends beyond taste to encompass sustainability and mindful consumption, creating baked goods that are as responsible as they are delicious.
The menu at Rosemary & Lavender Bakery reflects Elisabeth’s life experiences. Her offerings showcase a variety of influences – from recipes passed down through generations in her family to techniques learned during her travels abroad. Cultural exchange plays a central role in her creations, with flavors inspired by friends from around the world appearing alongside traditional Minnesota fare.
This global-meets-local approach has created a unique niche for Elisabeth’s bakery, where each item tells a story of connection to the land, to heritage, and to the diverse community she serves.
