Our Story

 While browsing, you will see the word “us” featured virtually everywhere across this website. That is mainly because of the overwhelming support I receive from my loved ones. However, Elysian Kitchen is basically a one-woman show. It’s my brainchild, I suppose you could say. My name is Makenna Ratchford. I have been cooking and baking my entire life. It is one of the skills I have grown to be most proud of. As a nineteen-year-old, I can honestly say I have been practicing and perfecting my trade for over a decade. 

My journey started when I was too young to safely be in the kitchen, so my parents gifted me an Easy Bake Oven. It sounds funny now, but to my younger self, it was my first taste of individuality and creativity. I would go to my closet, my secret playroom, and the experimenting would begin. I always had a deep fascination with cooking. While most kids were watching Disney Channel, I was watching the Food Network…come to think of it, I was an odd child. From there, my passion stemmed and only flourished as the years passed. I would always tell my parents I was going to be a chef. I would continuously research new recipes, dream about opening a restaurant with my dad (my multifaceted teacher), and constantly try to outdo myself in the kitchen. I have collected much knowledge over the years, but I haven't grown into my own until just the past two years. 

I sharpened my skills daily, genuinely aspiring to become the well-rounded chef that I could be proud of. Not sticking to what I am most comfortable with, but exploring how to make real food that makes you feel good and is deliciously balanced. Since 2021, I have become immensely more confident in my abilities. A year ago when I met my now boyfriend, I decided I would woo him with some baked goods. You know the old adage, “The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach”. But something different about him, like many others, was his allergy to gluten. So I made my first batch of gluten-free peanut butter cookies. And, needless to say, a dozen of those (and my endless charisma) sealed the deal. 

All jokes aside, making gluten-free desserts seemed to be an unexplored culinary area of mine, and it wasn't until I met him that I was able to grow in that sphere of expertise. Almost a year later, I still love cooking and baking for him anytime I get the chance. In fact, now I prefer eating and creating gluten-free foods as well. I find that everyone can have food without gluten, but those with gluten allergies/sensitivities do not have the same privilege vice versa.

Although I have been practicing and studying my trade for over 11 years, it wasn't until my wonderful boyfriend  and amazing family encouraged me to share my skills that I felt assured enough to try. Now, I am ecstatic to share my knowledge and passion with anyone willing. I am so grateful and consider it a blessing from God to have a gift worth giving. I hope you all feel the same.