March 2026 - Profile: Liz McKenzie’s Sweet Journey: Howdy Cakes and the Art of Edible Joy
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In a culinary world obsessed with titles and prestige, Liz McKenzie stands apart. The Albuquerque-based creator behind Howdy Cakes doesn’t rush to call herself a chef — not out of insecurity, but out of humility and a deep respect for the craft.
Instead, she prefers to think of herself as a lifelong learner, an artist working in sugar, flour, and imagination. “When I think of a chef, it’s someone who can troubleshoot at any time, lead a team, and manifest any recipe at a moment’s notice,” McKenzie said. “I don’t think I’m there yet. It feels like a stolen valor title.”
That modest perspective belies a remarkable range of skills. McKenzie has taught cooking classes for years, creates elaborate custom cakes, runs a prickly pear–focused food business, and appears regularly at markets and festivals throughout the region.
Her food journey began not with pastries but with savory cooking. Culinary school trained her to be, in her words, a “cook, cook.” Over time, she discovered that cakes offered something unique — a way to combine technique with visual storytelling. “I love using cake as an art medium and creating something new and exciting,” she said. “Of course it has to taste delicious too.”
Teaching remains central to her identity. She has led middle-school cooking classes, demonstrations, and workshops, sharing practical skills while encouraging creativity. Upcoming appearances include classes at Three Sisters Kitchen, where she will continue fostering culinary curiosity.
Beyond instruction, McKenzie’s work spans multiple ventures. Her prickly pear product line, Prickly Foods, highlights a quintessential Southwestern ingredient with both cultural and ecological significance. Meanwhile, Howdy Cakes focuses on custom desserts that blend whimsy with craftsmanship. “I’m always trying to change up the menu and bring something new,” she said. “Everything’s constantly changing. It keeps it lively.”
But for McKenzie, food is more than a profession — it’s a form of connection. “Food brings us all together,” she said. “Food is medicine. I feel so strongly about that.”
Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in her wedding cakes. Each creation represents not just a commission but a deeply personal contribution to a couple’s milestone moment. “I put a lot of goodwill and good intentions into them,” she explained. “It’s exciting to think about people being in love and making this commitment.”
That emotional investment transforms her work from mere product into experience. Clients aren’t just buying dessert; they’re receiving something crafted with care, symbolism, and heart. McKenzie’s presence at local markets — from the Railyards to specialty festivals — reflects her commitment to accessibility. Rather than confining her work to exclusive venues, she brings it directly to the community, allowing people to encounter her creations in everyday settings.
Her social media accounts serve as the primary hub for updates, menus, and event appearances. Fans can follow her on Instagram at @HowdyCakesABQ and @PricklyFoods to see new designs, upcoming markets, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process. Though she jokes about being “terrible with technology,” the online following continues to grow — proof that authenticity resonates more strongly than polished marketing.
Ultimately, McKenzie’s story is one of evolution. She may hesitate to claim the title of chef, but her impact on Albuquerque’s culinary scene is undeniable. Through teaching, entrepreneurship, and artistry, she embodies the spirit of a community that values creativity as much as tradition. And if she continues on this trajectory, the title she avoids may one day feel not only earned but inevitable. Until then, she remains exactly what Albuquerque needs: a maker of edible joy, one dish at a time.
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