Hartford Courant Interview
A CT baker calls her products ‘food for the soul’. She’s already drawing customers from two states.
In the hands of Lissette Reynoso, food is a special way to nurture the body, especially when it’s made from scratch with extra TLC.
“Food made with love, intention, and clean ingredients nourishes more than just the body – it feeds the soul. It’s about creating comfort, connection, and joy through every bite,” said Reynoso, owner of Food for the Soul by LR, a cottage-based micro bakery located in Ridgefield that serves the surrounding area, including parts of New York, such as Brooklyn.
She said she specializes in making organic sourdough bread and pastries from scratch, using clean, organic ingredients and zero preservatives or additives.
“This bakery was born out of love for sharing wholesome, homemade food and a desire to help others enjoy truly nourishing baked goods,” she said. “I want my customers to feel nourished, comforted, and connected, like someone cooked for them with love and my baked goods feel like a warm hug.”
The business was established in 2024, but Reynoso has been a baker for over 20 years.
“My sourdough journey began three years ago, inspired in part by my kids’ gluten sensitivity. I was searching for a way to continue baking in a way that supported their health, and sourdough was the answer,” said Reynoso.
She said the natural fermentation process “breaks down much of the gluten, making it easier to digest and gentler on their stomachs. Most importantly, it doesn’t make them sick. I fell in love with the process and the many health benefits that come with it, and that passion has grown into the heart of my business.”
Reynoso said her mission is based on her calling to help others enjoy eating food that’s both healthful and delicious.
“I believe in respecting the process, honoring ingredients, and creating food that brings people together,” she said.
Food for the Soul offers a wide variety of handcrafted baked goods made in small batches, including sourdough loaves, bagels, cookies, muffins, croissants, English muffins, and more.
“I use organic, high-quality ingredients and bake to order, ensuring the best flavor and texture. All of my baked goods are sourdough-based. Sourdough is not only more digestible and easier on the gut, but it also offers a depth of flavor that commercial yeast can’t match. It’s a slow, natural fermentation process that allows for better nutrient absorption and longer shelf life without the need for preservatives.”
Food for the Soul offers dozens of flavor combinations, from classic plain to cinnamon raisin, cheddar jalapeño, lemon white chocolate, cranberry orange, and others.
“She had a great initial marketing campaign and drew us in. We live within walking distance so it was nice to see where our goods were made. I walk over every weekend to pick them up.”
Cooking has been part of Reynoso’s life since she was 9 and since then she’s honed her skills in different ways.
“I studied culinary arts and hospitality management after college and have over 40 years of experience in the kitchen. My foundation comes from my formal education in culinary arts, but my skills have been shaped by decades of hands-on experience in the kitchen – at home, professionally, and through countless specialized courses and workshops,” said Reynoso/
“After becoming a mom, I became more aware of the importance of clean eating and started cooking and baking everything from scratch.”
Customers can order online at: food4thesoulbylr.com.
Reynoso also attends local farmers markets, including the Danbury Farmers Market through October. Customers can also enroll in the bakery’s Sourdough Bread Club, a subscription service in which members receive a fresh loaf of bread weekly.
“It’s a great way for families to enjoy fresh, organic sourdough regularly, and members often get early access to seasonal specials and limited batches,” said Reynoso.
She also holds private baking classes and summer cooking camps for kids. “Building community through food is at the heart of what I do. I cherish the connection with my customers,” said Reynoso.
Aside from the business, the wife and a mom of three daughters, including a pair of twins, along with a four-year-old Westie, keeps busy in and out of the kitchen.
“I love spending time relaxing or helping families plan wholesome, balanced meals,” she said, adding, “Everything I make is honest, clean, and made with care. I never cut corners on ingredients or processes. For me, baking is meditative, creative, and deeply satisfying. Seeing the joy my products bring to people keeps me inspired every day.”
