cloud 9 confections
CLOSED
INDEFINITELY
MY STORY
I grew up eating fresh blackberry pie...
...every summer in the mountains of Northern California. We picked the berries and my mom baked. It wasn't something I was necessarily interested in but that passion has evolved over my adult life. In 2009 I entered a local pie baking contest and won 1st place with my Blue Ribbon Blackberry Pie (you can order it for $20).
Since then, I have slowly begun to master my confectionary skills with a long list of pie contest ribbons to prove it. It is just a hobby business out of my own kitchen right now since I still have my 5 kids at my heels but I like to treat friends and neighbors to the creations of my kitchen.
My specialty is pie but I've got a knack for anything. Using the best ingredients and starting from scratch, I believe the name of my business pretty much encapselates the way I feel about my confections!!
I think even Groundhog's Day could use a little celebrating!! Just sayin'!
Rachel
2009
1
Fast Forward 6 years...2015
Now in 2016, I have have a state award under my belt as I won the 2015 Washington State Fair Gold Medal Flour Cookie Contest. My Brown Butter Coconut Chewies (shown in the cookies tab) won me first place!!
As I make a variety of confections for my family, friends and perfect strangers, I get better and better at providing the most delicious and magical confections you've ever tasted. I try dessert wherever I go and I aim to create new and exciting recipes that you've never tried before.
I can't wait to see what 7 years from now looks like!!
2015
2018
Add another 3 years...2018
Another 3 ribbons at the state fair this year with a fudge recipe I was disappointed in but one 2nd place with, a fluke scone entry that got me free admission, another 2nd place ribbon and also the prize basket and then my favorite win of all, a 1st place ribbon for my new concoction, Balsamic Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. Patterned after a summer ice cream flavor I tried in Portland, I paired the balsamic and strawberry flavors in a pie and the judges approved. I use only the highest quality, 18-year barrel-aged vinegar and the pie is all the better for it.
2022
Then 4 years later/post pandemic...
Trying new pies in multiple contests, I began to see a pattern emerge...the classic berry pie takes the cake 9 times out of 10. So, to elevate it just a little bit, I added lemon zest and fresh squeezed juice to my blue-ribbon blackberry pie and low and behold, I won!
A bronze ribbon this time...3rd place with my Lemon Blackberry Pie made from hand-picked PNW wild blackberries. One judge gave me a near perfect score.
Until next year...barring any pandemics ; )
2025
I chose to "close my doors" in June of 2025 after over a decade of creating sweet treats for the community of Maple Valley. Cloud 9 had so much potential but my heart was no longer in it. With rising costs and the sacrifice on my family, what was once an important means to an end, was no longer serving me the same way. I am currently putting my efforts and energy toward a new business venture so stay tuned for my next phase of life. Let's just say...it's going to be even sweeter.