Saginaw-based cottage baker turns passion into tasty sourdough products

SAGINAW, MI – Baking was a favorite hobby throughout Carrie Morse-Roose's childhood.

Morse-Roose went back to her roots this year experimenting with baking sourdough.

Suddenly, the community went nuts for it, she said. Her LGBTQ+ and woman-owned business, The Belgian Baker, officially began in February.

"Initially, I started baking for therapy. I've been in child welfare for nearly 20 years working public service, so it was more of a therapy for me," Morse-Roose said. "Then, it just became a challenge. Everyone was doing sourdough, and I was like, 'I'm going to do this,' and I did."

The Belgian Baker is a side hustle as Morse-Roose still works her full-time job employed with the State of Michigan.

Morse-Roose said she likes being able to test different flavors with her sourdough and flex her creativity.

In the summer, Morse-Roose said she consistently sold her products at the Thomas Township Farmers Market and has gained customer orders now that the market is closed for the season.

One of the most popular items right now are the sourdough flights, which include a plain mini loaf, a dill and aged white cheddar mini loaf and an apple spice mini loaf for $15.

Morse-Roose said customers have also been ordering a lot of the English muffins, chocolate chip cookies and Belgian waffles.

Everything Morse-Roose makes is crafted with sourdough, unless it's a specific order for something else or a family recipe that requires yeast, she said.

"I do it because I love it and I make everything the way I would eat it," Morse-Roose said.

Morse-Roose added she enjoys getting similar businesses together for pop-up events so they can all benefit.

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