My taste for the sweeter things in life began when I was a child. I would seek out the nickels, dimes and quarters that shimmied their way into couch crevices, behind car seats and the most rewarding place, the shelf above the washing machine, just so I could walk a mile to the convenient store for a sweet treat. My days consisted of four meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
My sweet tooth remains, albeit a little more refined (most of the time).  I am fortunate enough to have made a career out of my cravings. After a couple years of baking in Seattle I moved, with my husband, to Los Angeles where I had the honor of working with one of the top ten best pastry chefs in America, Sherry Yard.
My husband and I moved back to the Northwest when I was pregnant with my first child (Baron, 2) to be near family. I began Ashley E. Rodriguez; Artisan Sweets in 2006. The business grew very quickly and in my second year I was booked every Summer weekend for wedding cakes. Having just had another beautiful baby boy (Roman, 5 months) I have decided to put my own business on hold. Currently I am baking for a local catering company (Ciao Thyme).
For me food is so much more than following a recipe in order to reach a desired product. As much as I enjoy that tasty product and the process in which it was created, my personal infatuation with food focuses on the aspects that go beyond satisfying a bodily hunger. I am completely and utterly obsessed with food because of its effect on the people who consume it, grow it, produce it, enjoy it, and live for it.  Food is culture, it nourishes our bodies, it is passion, it is hard work, and for many it is their livelihood.
My hope is that this blog will teach you techniques and recipes, encourage you to try new things, and inspire you to think beyond what it is that you are creating.