When Jenna (Eck ’04 MEd’07) Kranzberg started her business, Sweet Buttered Biscuits, she was initially looking for a way to foster her passion for baking in the midst of everyday chaos, but her confections have grown into connections, allowing her to share love and create delicious memories. What started as a way to share her confections with friends and family has flourished into a busy baking stand at farmers’ markets across Texas.
During her time as an undergraduate at Azusa Pacific University, Kranzberg learned
the importance of interacting intentionally with her community of professors and classmates.
She met her husband, Joe Kranzberg ’00, and maintained lifelong friendships with those
she met on campus because she took time to have meaningful conversations with them.
“When I transferred to APU, I wasn’t expecting the experience that I was going to
have. I had a plan set out for me and God surprised me along the way,” said Kranzberg.
Kranzberg believes that taking time to listen to God and truly hear what He has to say is life-changing, especially taking the time to pause and interact with His people. “I love APU because even today I could walk through the campus and connect with my memories again,” said Kranzberg. “There isn’t a spot on either campus where I haven’t had a memory, either with another student or God.”
Kranzberg and her husband currently live in Texas with two young children. Through raising her son and daughter, Kranzberg has not only fostered their faith, but recognized growth in her own journey with God. “I love watching my son see Jesus. This last year at school he accepted Jesus into his heart,” said Kranzberg. “We have moments where I can see God’s love and faithfulness show up for him. He sees it like a kid does, the importance of God’s love. The joy that he is experiencing seeing that, has helped me remember the joy of following God.”
Kranzberg wants to share that same joy of the Lord through her baking and interactions with customers. “It is that moment of transporting someone in just a bite. Seeing people enjoy my baking fulfills me,” said Kranzberg. Through intentional connection, Kranzberg is inviting her customers to relive joyful memories in a busy world. Baking with love is essential, but Kranzberg takes it a step further.
“When I was figuring out my grandmother’s shortbread recipe, and I took the first couple bites, it transported me to the feeling of eating it when I was a little kid in her home, safe and surrounded by love.” Kranzberg wants to recreate that feeling for her customers, reminding them of the everyday joys.
When she first started her baking business, Kranzberg relied on her local community for feedback and encouragement. “When I was working on the biscuits recipe, I was giving them to neighbors and friends, asking them to taste test,” said Jenna, and their feedback helped her grow in confidence to explore new recipes. In addition to neighbors, Kranzberg’s family has been an essential part of her growth as a business. “My husband wanted me to try selling my baked goods, and even if they didn’t fly off the shelves, I knew he would support me,” said Kranzberg. “My kids sit on either side of the counter and watch me bake. My son is equally my biggest critic and supporter. I know a recipe is good when it barely stays on the plate.”
As she continues her business, Kranzberg knows that her community is a constant support system. “I started going to farmers markets, giving away samples, and getting people hooked on my baking. Then I learned to rely on other people spreading the word for me,” said Kranzberg. She’s even endearingly known as the Local Carb Dealer in the area. “Through recommendations and social media support, the amount of customers grew. That is where the community part started to take effect. It hit me that I had support from people who really enjoyed my baking, and not just my family.”
Kranzberg’s intention in everyday life is what has helped her business thrive. Her kind soul and connections with customers keep them coming back. Her dedication to making recipes that bring joy to everyday moments means that customers are buying more than just delicious shortbread. “It is not only how the community shows up for you, but how you show up for your community—you have to create your village,” said Kranzberg. She has created a village of supportive customers, friends, and family who understand the importance of baking with lots of love.