MILWAUKEE — For 14-year-old Milan Robinson, it all started with something sweet.

“Right now, I’m making sweet potato pie,” she said.

It’s not just any pie; it’s one of the secret recipes shared with Milan Robinson by her Grannie Williams, who passed away four years ago.

“My Grannie Williams always used to run Sunday family dinners, and it could range from just our family to 30 or 40 extra people coming over,” said Milan Robinson. “Nobody ever left hungry.”

Not only did Milan Robinson bake with Granny Williams, she also spent a lot of time with her Grandma Glo. Gloria Robinson founded Nino’s Southern Sides, a popular soul food restaurant in the Milwaukee area. She died in 2020 from COVID-19 complications.

“Baking has always been a big part of my life,” said Milan Robinson. “Seeing both my grandmothers always in the kitchen.”

She said baking their special recipes is a way to honor the women who taught her so much.

“My grandparents and my mom, they always said, ‘cook with love,’ and you know, ‘listen to your ancestors,’ so you got to season it, or cook it, or bake it how you feel is right,” said Milan Robinson.

Milan Robinson said it felt right to start her own baking business. It’s called Manna Morsels by Chef Milan. Manna is known in the Bible as “Bread of Heaven” or “Angels Food.” She said the response she’s received has been great.

“A lot of people tell me how amazing my food is,” she said. “They say they’ll be ordering from me again. Just a bunch of compliments, which is nice.”

Her parents said they’re incredibly proud. They see the work that goes into each dessert, like the caramel pound cake, key lime pie bars and banana pudding. They also do the taste-testing.

“She takes it to that next level, and that’s what’s really inspiring to see her follow a passion of hers at such a young age,” said her father, Lamont Robinson. “As parents, we just want to be there to support her.”