<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2e5Sz5_1GbHSp6300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2e5Sz5_1GbHSp6300" width="1200" height="974" ></figure>For some people, baking is simply a hobby, but for 2014 graduate Emily Belanger, it became something more. What began as a passion for baking cookies and cupcakes in high school eventually grew into her own business, Cat and the Crumb, an online bakery inspired by her love for baking and the family members who helped shape it.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0ir7ZO_1GbHSp6300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0ir7ZO_1GbHSp6300" width="958" height="1284" ><figcaption>Belanger creates festive cupcakes decorated with gingerbread figures and snowflakes. Her love for seasonal baking continues to inspire the changing menu at Cat and the Crumb. (Donated by: Emily Belanger)</figcaption></figure>Growing up, Belanger had always been interested in cooking and baking. However, it wasn’t until she lost her aunt—who baked during family holidays and gatherings—that her interest grew into a desire to carry on her story. “She was [the] kind of woman who would show her love with food and company when I was younger, and [when] she was still with us; she was absolutely the glue that held my family together. I took that love language she would give to others to heart, and that’s something that I very much hope to instill in my kids one day,” she recalls.Throughout high school, Belanger spent much of her free time teaching herself how to bake, reading cookbooks, and watching Food Network. She even started selling her baked goods to students and would sell out before lunch ended. Despite her passion for baking, Belanger struggled academically because of personal challenges, and during this time, she found support from several teachers at her school: Dion Phillips, Reginald Bertrand, and Carlos Grijalva. <figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4DvUZ7_1GbHSp6300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4DvUZ7_1GbHSp6300" width="964" height="1288" ><figcaption>A box of glazed donuts topped with red, green, and white sprinkles showcases Belanger’s holiday-themed baking. Through Cat and the Crumb, she hopes to share her passion for sweets with others. (Donated by: Emily Belanger)</figcaption></figure>“I personally struggled a great deal in academics due to undiagnosed ADHD/autism, but I had a lot of help from a few teachers who I could tell deeply believed in my success, and I still credit them to this day with helping me get to where I am today,” she expresses.After graduating, Belanger attended Broward Community College for about two years before transferring to Sheridan Technical College, where she pursued her certification and degree. She was largely self-taught in baking, drawing inspiration from her travels, international desserts, and French pastry chef Dominique Ansel.Despite her education and experience, she struggled to find employment in bakeries. She eventually transitioned into customer service jobs while continuing to pursue baking on the side.In 2018, while working at a museum, Belanger started the first version of Cat and the Crumb to earn extra money. A year later, after losing her customer service job, she decided to dedicate herself fully to her bakery business, which continued to grow until 2021, when she moved to Arizona for several months.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4ZKUTS_1GbHSp6300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4ZKUTS_1GbHSp6300" width="960" height="1278" ><figcaption>These colorful, sprinkle-covered treats are among Belanger’s homemade creations. She first began selling cookies and cupcakes while attending PPCHS. (Donated by: Emily Belanger)</figcaption></figure>After returning to Florida, she struggled to find a stable place to bake and decided to take a break to focus on herself. Now, after a break of several years, Belanger is bringing Cat and the Crumb back, selling curated cookie boxes through Instagram.Her menu is constantly changing; it always features different flavors and seasonal treats, with plans to potentially introduce her aunt’s signature rum balls during Christmas time. “When I receive an order, I have 5 types of cookies that are consistent month after month as I change my menu, but the flavors change, and sometimes I’ll use a different technique to achieve the same results,” she explains.For Belanger, baking has always been more than just creating desserts. It has also served as a way to relieve stress and express herself creatively, especially during the difficult times of her life.“Baking for me is great stress relief, especially [because it’s all] ratios and reactions. There’s little room for error most times, but when you understand how things interact with each other, then you can get a little creative with it,” she says.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4LULl9_1GbHSp6300" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4LULl9_1GbHSp6300" width="1690" height="1270" ><figcaption>Belanger decorates her cupcakes with bright green frosting, gold sprinkles, and pistachios. Her attention to detail reflects the creativity she brings to her baking. (Donated by: Emily Belanger)</figcaption></figure>Looking back, Belanger credits much of her success to the encouragement she received throughout high school, particularly during a time she needed it most. What began as selling cookies to classmates has since become a business that allows her to share the same love and comfort her aunt once shared through food.“I would say PPCHS helped me to feel supported and encouraged when I didn’t necessarily have it back at home,” she reflects.</div></body>

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For some people, baking is simply a hobby, but for 2014 graduate Emily Belanger, it became something more. What began as a passion for baking cookies and cupcakes in high school eventually grew into her own business, Cat and the Crumb, an online bakery inspired by her love for baking and the family members who helped shape it.

Emily Belanger’s Cat and Crumb bakery

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For some people, baking is simply a hobby, but for 2014 graduate Emily Belanger, it became something more. What began as a passion for baking cookies and c

Emily Belanger’s Cat and Crumb bakery

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