A few years ago, while moving, Jude Anderson-Clutz found a journal where she had recorded her dream of owning a food-based business. While she had a well-paying job and knew the easy decision would be to stay, she decided to follow her passion and dream and create The Welsh Baker. “I have always loved to cook and bake,” writes Jude. “Creating food to be enjoyed and celebrated is a feeling like no other and so I took the plunge and prepared to leave my job and start a baking business.” It’s been three years since then, and while Jude has faced moments of panic, she has never had any regret! “The support I receive from family, friends, customers, fellow small business owners and the Small Business Centre both in St. Thomas and London has been resounding and a constant source of motivation and love,” writes Jude. In addition to running a successful business, Jude also works as a freelance ASL/English Interpreter and works part-time in restaurants and culinary schools.
Born and raised in St. Thomas, Jude is proudly Welsh Canadian – her parents emigrated to Canada from Wales a year before she was born. This is a big inspiration for The Welsh Baker, as I’m sure you can discern from her business name, and specifically the Welsh Cakes that Jude’s business started with. If you’ve ever wondered what a Welsh Cake is – now’s the time to find out! “Welsh Cakes are a cross between a cookie and a scone,” writes Jude. “They are rolled out like a cookie but cooked like a pancake which means each one has had my full attention even just for a minute.” While the traditional recipe for a Welsh Cake has mixed spice and currants, The Welsh Baker has gotten creative with their flavour combinations – you can find creative flavours such as chocolate chili, cherry almond, apple pie, salted caramel, rosemary and cheddar, cheesy garlic, and sundried tomato basil!
Since then, The Welsh Baker also started making other traditional Welsh treats such as Bara Brith, a spicy tea bread, and a full and ever-changing line of baked goods including sourdough bagels, sourdough pizza kits, sausage rolls, curried sweet potato and chickpea rolls, brioche buns, bomboloni, tarts, pies and more! Jude doesn’t make all of these products each week, so make sure to take advantage of pre-orders! Head to their website and choose the pick-up option for our market! If you can’t find something you had before and loved, just send them a quick email through the website and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can!
