Umber Ahmad is the baker extraordinaire and owner behind the buzzy Mah-Ze-Dahr bakeries in Manhattan, Washington D.C., and Arlington, Virginia, known for their nostalgic desserts, breads, and pastries. Before entering the food world professionally, Umber worked in finance as an investment banker and simply baked for fun on the side. But eventually, her passion became too strong, and after a little push from a certain Top Chef judge, she followed her dreams and opened Mah-Ze-Dahr in 2016.
In this episode, Umber joins host Jessie Sheehan to chat about her journey into the sweet world of baked goods, the special meaning behind her bakery’s name, and some of the delicious treats you’ll find at Mah-Ze-Dahr locations. She also walks Jessie through her recipe for Nisu, a traditional Finnish bread with cardamom and coffee, which was the first thing Umber learned how to make.
Click here for Umber’s Nisu recipe.
Thank you to Plugra Premium European Butter and California Prunes for supporting our show.
Hosted by Jessie Sheehan
Produced by Kerry Diamond and Catherine Baker
Edited by Jenna Sadhu
Editorial Assistant Londyn Crenshaw
Recorded at CityVox Studios
She’s My Cherry Pie is a production of The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network. For past episodes and transcripts, click here. Subscribe to our newsletter here.
More on Umber: Instagram, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, website
More on Jessie: Instagram, Snackable Bakes
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