Social media sensation Amanda Gibson of Indy Dough, who has nearly 11,000 Instagram followers, landed her first baking job while living in Florida. She took the opportunity to learn the professional kitchen trade before returning home to Indiana and the Circle City with her husband, Jared, a web developer. Before becoming a mother in 2018, she sold her goods weekly but has whittled down to a monthly experience at the SoBro Farmer’s Market. On rare occasions, the baking star can be found as an “in-house” baker at Blue Mind Coffee in Indianapolis, where buyers line out the door for her flour confections.
What made you want to become a baker?
I’ve always enjoyed food, and when I became an adult and moved away from home, I wanted those home-cooked meals. Over the years, one thing led to another, and I learned I was fairly decent at baking. It started as a way to have a creative outlet.
What is your favorite type of food and why?
I always find myself leaning towards Asian dishes. Although Asia is large, soy sauce’s umami flavors are generally my favorites.
Where do you get your inspiration?
If you asked me seven years ago, I would say the memories of dishes my mom made or what’s in season. After having a kid, inspiration looks different. I make what sounds good to me. I still lean into baking with the seasons, as Indiana is so awesome with local produce, but it first has to be something I’d want to eat.
What is your favorite thing to make for yourself and your family?
One that’s a little more “chef-like” is coconut dill cod soup. I love its depth of flavor and simplicity. I make it for myself, and my husband will eat it. My son has become a chicken tender now, so when you say family, I say it’s for me.
If you could eat anywhere in the world, where would that be and what would you eat?
My current dream destination is Vietnam. I want to try all the food on the side streets.
If you could choose a favorite place in Indiana to visit, where would that be located, and what would you eat?
I always go to the SoBro Farmer’s Market. Moonlight Baking Company is another baker there. She has a production kitchen and makes sourdough bread and croissants. She also has a cardamom roll that I’m obsessed with. I get my produce from Warfleigh Cottage Garden, use Circle City Smoke salts in my baking and then wash it down with Primal Delights kombucha.
What items are always in your fridge?
Milk. I need to meal plan better, and I like going to the grocery store often, but one thing I consistently have is a latte, so I have milk.
