A Little Bit of Rye
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 3:57pm
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By:
Paige Lucas TPD Editor tpdeditor@crescotimes.com
CRESCO - A Little Bit of Rye is a new business in Cresco that sells homemade baked goods. Recently making appearances at the Cresco Open Air Market and other farmers markets, Melissa Tlusty bakes in the early mornings and stays up late at night to perfect her products.
Tlusty grew up in the Mabel Canton area on an acreage surrounded by family. Her childhood consisted of running freely with her cousins, baking with her mom and grandma (Phyllis), and overall was “very happy.” Her family enjoyed spending time outdoors.
After High School, she attended college in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She then moved to Caledonia and met her husband, Gary Tlusty, shortly after. Melissa, Gary, and daughter Haley have lived in the rural Cresco area for seventeen years since moving closer to Gary’s family. They currently live on an acreage that is surrounded by farmland and decorated with hosta gardens.
Employed full time, Melissa has found time to reignite her passion for baking and creativity. In the past, she has “dabbled” in art shows and in making pepper jam, but felt overwhelmed with raising a family and pursuing a career.
The idea of making sour dough bread intimidated Melissa at first, but when her nieces were able to successfully make a couple of loafs, she decided to give it a try.
After several attempts, new methods, and encouragement from her family, Melissa started bringing in loaves for her co-workers who gave her fantastic reviews. Since then, she has devoted most of her free time to learning recipes, and experimenting. Her love for baking propelled her forward to start a business earlier this year, as special orders started to come in.
The name “Little Bit of Rye” is special to Melissa, who explained her grandmother’s (who recently passed away last year) maiden name was Rye, and that she uses some rye in her starter for her sour dough bread. She feels this “honors her (grandmothers’) legacy” and Phyllis would be “proud” of everything she has accomplished so far.
Melissa prints her own labels, packaging, and bakes from the comfort of her home. Her menu changes every month as she extends her horizons by trying new recipes and ideas. This month she is offering classic loaves of bread, mini classic loaves, cinnamon swirls and more!
Together, Melissa and Haley set up the Little bit of Rye booth at different locations, and plans to be at the Cresco Open Air Market this week.