From Grandmother to Grandmother: How We Pass On Recipes to the Next Generations

If you’ve ever stepped into Balkan Bakery in La Grange, Illinois, you’ve probably noticed that our shelves are filled with more than just pastries—they’re filled with stories, memories, and a deep sense of tradition. As the current owner, I’m Marija Pejkovic, and I’d love to share a little about how the recipes we serve have traveled from grandmother to grandmother, and how I’ve found my own place in this beautiful journey.

Embracing a Family Legacy

When I joined the Balkan Bakery family, I was stepping into a world rich with heritage and tradition. The bakery was founded by my mother-in-law, Olja, in 2007. Her passion for authentic Balkan recipes and her commitment to quality quickly made Balkan Bakery a staple in the Chicago area. Olja’s hands have shaped countless loaves of bread, trays of strudels, and signature pastries like Bajadera and Jaffa cake—each one crafted with care and love.

In 2020, Olja passed the bakery on to me. I didn’t grow up surrounded by the sights and smells of a Serbian bakery, but I was eager to learn, honor, and carry forward the family heritage that Olja built. She became my mentor, teaching me not only her recipes but also the values and traditions that make our bakery so special.

Marija, Owner of Balkan Bakery

Learning Through Tradition

Taking over the bakery meant more than just learning how to make traditional pastries—it meant understanding the heart behind every recipe. Olja’s guidance went far beyond measurements and techniques. She taught me that baking is about intuition, patience, and a willingness to learn. There were no secret ingredients—just a dedication to doing things the right way, every single time.

Every day, I see how much these traditions mean to our customers. Whether they’re picking up a fresh loaf of bread, ordering a custom cake for a celebration, or searching for their favorite European specialty foods, our customers are often looking for a taste of home. I’m honored to help provide that.

Keeping Authentic Balkan Recipes Alive

At Balkan Bakery, we take pride in making everything from scratch. Our menu is full of authentic Balkan recipes—flaky strudels, creamy Kinder cake slices, and rich Bajadera—alongside a curated selection of European specialty imports. We use premium ingredients and time-honored techniques to ensure every bite is as delicious and memorable as the last.

We’ve also embraced new ideas, expanding our menu with modern confections, seasonal specialties, and creative crepes. But no matter what we add, our commitment to tradition and quality never changes.

Passing Down More Than Recipes

For me, passing down recipes is about more than just food—it’s about sharing memories, stories, and a sense of belonging. I love seeing families come into the bakery, introducing their children to the flavors they grew up with, and celebrating milestones together. Every custom cake, every holiday pastry, and every imported treat is a chance to create new memories while honoring the old.

It’s especially meaningful when customers tell me that a certain pastry reminds them of their grandmother, or that our bakery has become part of their family’s special occasions. Those moments remind me that what we do here matters.

The Importance of Authenticity

In a world where shortcuts are everywhere, I believe authenticity stands out. Our customers can trust that every product we offer is rooted in tradition, made with care, and served with genuine hospitality. That’s what makes Balkan Bakery unique—not just our recipes, but the love and respect with which they’re passed down and shared.

Looking Ahead

As I look to the future, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to continue this legacy. I’m proud to be part of a story that started with my mother-in-law and is now shared with every customer who walks through our doors. My hope is that Balkan Bakery remains a place where traditions are honored, memories are made, and recipes are passed from grandmother to grandmother—and beyond.

If you’re searching for authentic Balkan pastries, European specialty foods, or simply a warm, welcoming bakery experience, I invite you to visit us in La Grange. Whether you’re a longtime customer or a first-time visitor, you’re always welcome at our table.

Thank you for being part of our story. If you have a favorite family recipe or a special memory you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it. Here’s to tradition, community, and the joy of passing recipes from one generation to the next.