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Hungry Monkey Baking

@hungrymonkeybaking

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Find our banana breads, pumpkin breads & more
(loved 🩷 by @howiemandel ) at: @sunsetfoods , @grandfoodcenter , and @oliviasmarket

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Lots of change going on around here…Our banana breads 🍌 are back in @sunsetfoods , @grandfoodcenter stores, @oliviasmarket , & @lakeforestdining /@lakeforestcollege! And our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread 🎃is coming in a week! Lily and I had a blast, at dawn, getting busy for our first production in our new kitchen! Many thanks to our new Team for killing it! We taste- tested it with one of our most loyal — and brutally honest — customers and she LOVED the new & improved breads! We hope you will, too! They are fuller, with a more banana-y flavor. Even the chips are a little bit larger! Our Triple Chocolate Brownies are next…and yes, our LEMON 🍋 in the spring…stay tuned for updates!

More BIG news!! Lily started her freshman year at @bradleyuniversity , double majoring in Entertainment Engineering and Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Musical Theater! As many of you may remember, we started Hungry Monkey on her 2nd birthday! Our house is too quiet, and I miss her immensely , but I’m so excited for her future.

We appreciate each and every one of you for going along on this ride with us — and for your patience during this move. 💕💕💕💕💕💕 by @hungrymonkeybaking

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2 months ago

**UPDATE! We’re waiting for one more piece of equipment, and will be baking soon! We will be back in @sunsetfoods , @grandfoodcenter , @lakeforestdining , & @oliviasmarket by 15 August! 🎉🎉

First of all, I’d like to say thank you. Thank you for sticking with us through it all for the past 16+ years. From the farmers’ markets to the grocery stores to our online business… through Covid and the vanilla shortage, cocoa shortage, egg prices ….oh, and let’s not forget those tariffs, you’ve been by our side, supporting us! We remain grateful.

Business consultant and small business cheerleader, @lindsaypinchuk , recently challenged many women entrepreneurs to create a post that was real. I’ve been so busy getting Lily, our namesake, ready
for college I’m a little late. But here it is…

We are sorry that we’ve disappointed some of you by cutting back. We grew too fast, and yes, we made mistakes along the way.

But regardless, the bottom line is we were unable to provide you with many of your favorites. And, more recently, there have been times we were sold out online. We hated not meeting your expectations, and our own.

We are moving our kitchen, and in the coming weeks we will bring back your beloved triple chocolate brownies and our wildly popular chocolate chip pumpkin bread to @sunsetfoods and the @grandfoodcenter stores, and @oliviasmarket . And next spring, we will bring back our lemon cake with a buttermilk lemon glaze! We heard you…

We ask for your patience while we move our kitchen to be able to accommodate these changes. You may find that some stores are sold out of our banana breads, but we will be back within the next few weeks — in time for school lunches!

While our website is live, we are not taking any orders until we are up and running.

To stay up-to-date, please sign-up for our newsletter on our website’s homepage, and you’ll be the first to know!

Sometimes life derails us. We just have keep going to find the right track. We are so glad that you’re still along for the ride.
XO Cindy 💕 by @hungrymonkeybaking

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3 months ago

This week has been an emotional roller coaster…but what a ride! For those of you have known us since our farmers market days, we started 16 years ago, on May 29, on @lilyannakienzle ‘s 2nd birthday. It was a beautiful sunny day, and Lily (and my husband, Tom), helped me pass out samples to the growing line of people and I thought “wow, maybe we have something here.” Fast forward, last Friday, Lily turned 18, the same day she received five awards from her high school. To say I am proud doesn’t begin to convey everything I am feeling.

Lily received a scholarship from @pals_lfhs , the booster organization for the @lfhs_lakeforest high school @lfhstheater Dept. She also received the Oscar from the Theater Department for her contributions to the performing arts. In addition, she was inducted into the Theater Wall of Fame, the only actor in 2026. And, if that wasn’t a big enough honor, she was voted by her peers and the director of the music department, @lfhschoir , and received the Arion Foundation Award, a National Award for academic standing, leadership, musical talent and contributions to the Choir program . Lily was also inducted into the Fine Arts Wall of Fame!🎶🎼🎵🎤

Lily has worked so incredibly hard, not only to strive for excellence in her academics, but also in acting and singing. I so admire her fearlessness— from her brilliant portrayal as a ditsy matron in “the drowsy chaperone,” to singing “Habanera” in Seville, Spain… she never says “no,” and she never gives up. She’s the most fearless and determined human I’ve ever met.

Lily is going on to @bradleyuniversity in the fall, double majoring in entertainment engineering and mechanical engineering, with a minor in musical theater. I can’t imagine my world without seeing her every day, but I know I have to be happier for her than I am sad for myself.

As for hungry monkey — well, it’s been a bit of a rough ride these past few years, but that’s another post for another day. Today is 100% about Lily, our hungry monkey.

We have immense gratitude for everyone’s support and interest in Lily; I know you share in our joy in seeing her blossom. Thank you for indulging me in honoring Lily.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ by @hungrymonkeybaking

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4 months ago

Hungry?

#hungryMonkeyBaking
#mompreneur
#freshlybaked
@jewelosco
@grandfoodcenter
@sunsetfoods by @hungrymonkeybaking

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5 months ago

Now that’s a wrap! Words can’t begin to convey how incredibly proud we are of @lilyannakienzle , the hungry monkey, for her portrayal of “Mrs. Tottendale”/“Ukulele Lil” in “The Drowsy Chaperone”! Lily owned her character, a ditsy, but kind, matron. The entire cast was beyond!! This musical within a play kept us laughing all night!!

This is bittersweet as this is Lily’s final role at @lfhs_lakeforest high school. But it is just the beginning as she will be attending @bradleyuniversity in the fall, studying Entertainment Engineering and Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Musical Theater.

Much gratitude to everyone who made this amazing production possible, including the incredible Directors, @kellymacblane & @mrwanninger , the fantastic student directors, Egan & Julia, the tech crew, the wildly creative Costume Designer, Mrs. Neal, Choreographer, Miss Val, and incredible Vocal Director, Mrs Taylor. A special 👏👏 to the Orchestra Director, Robert Bassill, Tech Director Mr. Aidan, Mr. Holmer (tech guru) and the entire staff, including Sarah Dreiling, ITS Theater Advisor, and also to Ashleigh Malec, Activities Director, and the security staff who kept us safe during the tornado! And a special shout-out to @pals_lfhs for taking care of meals, treats, and many logistics!

This role earned Lily the abilty to apply for an @ihsmta theater award, sponsored by @broadwayinchicago and @nbcchicago , along with many other talented actors! Congrats to all and good luck!

Lastly, a shout-out to her on-stage husband-to-be, @jacobkasdin , who did a phenomenal job as “Underling,” and was the perfect serious foil to her eccentricity!

📸: Lauren Fairchild (@litleagueboxes ) by @hungrymonkeybaking

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6 months ago

This was no joke… on April 1, 2020, you may recall @howiemandel promoted @hungrymonkeybaking on an online shopping platform, @talkshoplive . It was the beginning of Covid when we were all so scared. Howie saw @lilyannakienzle and me doing a live baking show and he selected us for “Save Small Business America,” a new online show he created. He did an hour-long show/promo on us and the orders rolled in! It was all hands on deck! And we received incredible media attention from @people magazine to @goodmorningamerica to @wgnnews — and more!

Fast-forward six years to last Saturday, almost to the day, and we had the opportunity to see Howie live at the @genesee_theatre , just 20 minutes from our hometown (@cityoflakeforestil )! It gave us an opportunity to say “thank you” in person for lifting us up during Covid!

Howie’s stand-up show was hysterical 😭….and we also got to meet & see @preacherlawson , his opening act!!! You may remember him from @agt (he starts out his act making fun of himself that he lost to a 12-year-old girl with a dummy )! He is such a fresh, clever comedian. Howie + Preacher are the dynamic duo of comedy.

When we received a text from Howie’s Manager, Rich, we jumped from our seats and ran backstage! Truly, the thrill of a lifetime! And meeting Preacher and Rich was such a big bonus!

(And yes, we brought him banana bread + his fav, triple chocolate brownies :)

A big shout-out to @jackelynshultz , Howie’s daughter, who I’ve had the opportunity to get to know over the past 6 years via Insta. We met when she reached out saying she loved our stuff… And I asked how she heard about us in CA and she said “from my dad.” We’ve shared so much about our kids and motherhood, and even though she has a zillion fans I feel like we are friends (even though I’m old enough to be her mother :-) 💕 by @hungrymonkeybaking

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6 months ago

I guess I should give you all a little warning. I’m going to be bragging here… Unapologetically bragging …As the winner of her school’s recent music competition (voice division), the hungry monkey, @lilyannakienzle , was one of two featured soloists tonight in her final formal choir concert at @lfhs_lakeforest singing L’amour from the opera Carmen. (Fun fact, Lily will be singing this yet again..,in Seville, Spain, the birthplace of Carmen, in only 10 days!) If you can, listen to the end…it’s quite special (though, admittedly, I am quite biased 😉)!

Many thanks to her incredible voice coach, Kathy Ferrin, her lovely & talented Accompianist and Teacher, Natasha Mah, and the amazing @mabegale , Choir Director. And also a special thank you to @lfhs_applause , the school’s music patron booster organization. I’ve been a part of their board for the past several years and it has been my privilege to help support a program that fosters and encourages music development, education for any student who is interested in band Orchestra or choir.

And really a shout out to everyone who has supported Lily along the way…. You know who you are. So many of you met Lily when she was two years old, “working” at the Northfield farmers market (okay, she was really running around eating samples at every everyone else’s tables :-). She often helped me give out samples, package shipments, and through the years, she’s helped sample at stores. And through it all, you have watched her grow and cheered her along. And we have appreciated it so much. 🥰💕

Her story isn’t over. It’s just beginning… And though this was her final concert at her high school, she will be continuing her music as she will be minoring in musical theater at @bradleyuniversity this Fall. She’s double majoring in Entertainment Engineering & Mechanical Engineering… she will be combining all of her interests and skills in this unique & wildly popular field. Next summer, she will intern at Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas!

We are beyond proud of Lily, and since so many of you have watched her grow up, we wanted to share this special performance and news.

Thank you for indulging this proud mama!! by @hungrymonkeybaking

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7 months ago

Many thanks to Team Hungry Monkey — who show up early, stay late and help load deliveries to @jewelosco , @sunsetfoods & @grandfoodcenter stores! We could not do this without the best bakers on earth!

#freshlybaked #mompreneur #bananabread #hungrymonkey #bakersofinstagram by @hungrymonkeybaking

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8 months ago

Super Bowl? What Super Bowl? 😉
Today we went to the Super Bowl of musical arts — the @lfhs_lakeforest Honors Competition. Bravo/brava to all the amazing competitors — such talent. Truly a magical afternoon.

We are incredibly proud of @lilyannakienzle , our co-founder and our hungry monkey. Lily sang “L’armour est un oiseau rebelle” from Carmen by George Bizet. Written in French, but it was originally performed in Seville, Spain. Lily took home 1st Place 🏆 in the Vocal Division. And, because of this, she learned today that she will be singing Carmen as a solo in Seville, Spain, this March, the birthplace of Carmen!!

We would like to thank the entire Music Department, @lfhs_applause for sponsoring the judges, @lfhschoir and especially the Directors, @mabegale , Janene Kessler (@lfhs_band ) and Robert Bassill (@lfhs_orchestra ) & Judges — and to the amazing collaborative pianist, Natasha Mah (a.k.a. Mama Mah). We would like to give a special shout out to Lily’s phenomenal voice coach, Kathleen Ferrin. Without all of their support, this wonderful music department and competition would not be possible.

Many thanks to so many of you who have been cheering at the sidelines for Lily; it has meant so much to her, and to us. From having a speech delay, to winning today’s competition — in French….proud does not even begin to express our joy and admiration for her, and all of her hard work.

And now, onto the other Super Bowl! Fun fact: Lake Forest High School alum, @ryliemills , will be playing for the @seahawks in tonight’s game! He’s from our neighboring town Lake Bluff, Illinois!! GO Rylie!!!
(Don’t hate on us, but,
Go Seahawks!!! ☺️)

#hungrymonkeybaking
#superbowl
#lfhs
@lfhschoir by @hungrymonkeybaking

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8 months ago

To everyone who has served our country, we have profound gratitude to you. ❤️💙🤍

Today, @lilyannakienzle , @lfhs_lakeforest Senior, accompanied by the incredible @lfhs_band (Directed by Janene Kessler), sang the Star Spangled Banner at the Lake Bluff Veteran’s Day Observance at the @lakeblufffirerescue . The event was hosted by Troop 42 of the @scoutingofamerica .

Lily sang today in memory of my Dad, her Papa Jack, a very proud veteran who died this past May, on Memorial Day. 💔

#veteransday2025
#lakeforesthighschool
#lakeforesthighschoolchoir
#lakebluffhistorymuseum by @hungrymonkeybaking

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a year ago

These are the good days….we
had a blast last night at @revelryfoodandwine Festival’s FARM + COUNTRY! We (@lilyannakienzle & @rhyanzweifler ) LOVED serving up our signature chocolate chip banana bread hot fudge sundaes in @lavhoreca glassware to guests, and local & national celebrity Chefs, like Co-Host @chefbeaumac (Food Network & @sanctuaryaz_ ), @sarah.stegner (@prairiegrasscafe ), @chefsawyer (Cookbook Author + Owner of Adorn
& Kindling Restaurants) — and so many other INCREDIBLE Chefs, including @lexingtonbettysmokehouse , @soulandsmoke , @bigedsllc , Chef Lee(@elawafarm ! And let’s not forget our fav Mixologists, @jillianvose & @ashley.elizabitch . A huge shout out to the people who brought festive light to the festival, @lightquestoutdoorillumination — and, of course to our hometown Eileen for the incredible flowers @lakeforestflowers and @michael_delott_photography … for always capturing our special Lake Forest memories! And thank you to Laura, co-owner of one of my favorite places to shop (@shoptheguild ), @mpavlovskyy (one of our biggest cheerleaders), and my Chesterfield homie @chef_heath (best personal Chef and Burger Battle contestant) for stopping by to support us!

We just loved being a part of this community, in our hometown, at our beloved Elawa Farm. We are grateful Curator (and SUPERWOMAN) @ceciliahhh & Co-Host & Chef @dzumpano (Co-owner, Cotton Duck Hospitality) included us again this year!!
And, the cherry 🍒 on top — 💯 of proceeds
go to the @northernilfoodbank !

😘😘😘 to my partners-in-crime for the night — my dear friend Rhyan & the hungry monkey, @lilyannakienzle !Thanks for ALL your help!!!!

#hungrymonkeybaking
#freshlybaked
#mompreneur
#elawafarm
#lakeforest
#revelryfoodandwine
#farmandcountry
#bananabread by @hungrymonkeybaking

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a year ago

Much gratitude to Chef @dzumpano , @ceciliahhh and @revelryfoodandwine for inviting Hungry Monkey to participate — once again — in their Farm + Country event next Friday, September 5th! We are honored to be included with so many fine chefs!

We’ll be serving up our Signature chocolate chip banana bread in hot fudge sundaes — with all the fixings! And we’re stepping it up this year and making our own special hot fudge sauce — and serving it up in @lavhoreca Italian Glassware!

It was a wildly successful (and sold-out) event last year! There will be incredible food, drinks, live music & dancing — and trust us, you will not want to miss this event (it is being held at @elawafarm in our hometown of Lake Forest, Illinois)!

I might also mention that there are three other amazing events next week that are phenomenal as well!

Come hungry and ready to have fun!!!

There will be lots of amazing chefs , both local and national, and you might even see a few @foodnetwork stars like @chefbeaumac , who is a partner in all the festivities!

And 100% of the proceeds to to the @northernilfoodbank !

We hope to see you there!

#hungrymonkeybaking
#freshlybaked
#bananabread
#icecreamsundae
#mompreneur by @hungrymonkeybaking

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a year ago