Hi there! I’m Lila Monroe, a 38-year-old self-taught pastry chef living in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Sweet Bite Lab is my love letter to every curious, flour-dusted, chocolate-smeared kitchen counter across America and beyond. I created this space not just to share recipes, but to build a warm corner of the internet where anyone—whether you’re just learning how to crack an egg or you’ve got a family recipe book older than your grandma—can find joy and confidence in the kitchen.
My love for sweets began early. I was the kid who preferred a mixing spoon to a skipping rope, often found in the kitchen with my grandmother, who made the best peach cobbler in all of Georgia. When I moved west and started a new life in Portland, I brought those cherished recipes with me, along with a hunger to create and experiment.
Sweet Bite Lab was born out of late nights, burnt caramel, triumphs over sunken soufflés, and the sheer joy of watching friends light up over a perfectly flaky croissant. I believe baking should be approachable, a little magical, and never intimidating. That’s why I focus on step-by-step guides, honest tips (yes, I’ve messed up meringue more times than I can count), and playful flavor twists that make familiar treats feel brand new.
Here, you’ll find everything from classic American cookies to daring flavor combos like miso-maple brownies or hibiscus-lime cupcakes. I adore testing new ingredients and techniques, and I’m not afraid to share the occasional kitchen disaster if it means you’ll laugh and learn with me.
Above all, Sweet Bite Lab is about community. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, stress-baking on a Tuesday night, or just craving something sweet, I hope you feel welcome here. Let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and discover the sweet side of life—together.