Guest Blogger: Jill Drury

Recently, a new IronCupcaker joined the Milwaukee ranks. Jill Drury is a pharmacist by day and a baker and aspiring chef by night. The Chicago Sun Times recently ran a great article about her, so I asked her if she might be interested in doing a guest post for the blog. Since I am on vacation this week, it seemed like the perfect time to share it with all of you. Thank you Jill for taking a few minutes to share your enthusiasm.

Compounding In The Kitchen

From an early point in my life, I have had two overriding passions: pharmacy and cooking. Pharmacy became my chosen career and intellectual outlet. Cooking is my hobby and ultimate stress-reliever. Recently, I've been able to blend my two loves together. Let me tell you how.

First, you should know a little about my jobs. I am currently a full-time pharmacist at Rush University's oncology/hematology clinic in Chicago. I also work part-time as a retail pharmacist for CVS Pharmacy on Downer Avenue in Milwaukee. As a pharmacist, I regularly measure, compound, pour and check a variety of drugs. In my positions, I am able to talk to and help people from all walks of life. The ability to help people with their medical needs is an immense responsibility and continually provides me with honor and satisfaction in my job. But, like most jobs, I was still hungry for excitement. Something outside my box of comfort. Then, I realized that the professional skills I had honed as a pharmacist could be applied to my love of food! Indeed, as you'll see, a delicious combination.

My love of cooking started at an early age. I acquired my cooking gene from my Mom and Grandma, who are both great cooks. As the demands of school mounted, however, I found myself drifting away from the kitchen. Committed to getting my hobby back, I began collecting new cookbooks from my favorite chefs -- anything that made me salivate. I updated my cooking utensils, buying as much that would fit in my kitchen and help me whip up tasty dish after tasty dish. I dusted off family recipes from the "old" country. Most importantly, I discovered Iron Cupcake Milwaukee, a competition that has challenged my baking skills and taste buds on a whole other level of creativity.

Slowly, I began to blend my two loves together. I applied the same skills I utilize behind the counter to the stovetop and oven. I like to call my culinary methods "compounding in the kitchen." During the day, I measure, grind and pour chemicals for the benefit of my patients. After hours, I use those same skills to dazzle in the kitchen. The same patience and care necessary for pharmacy also is necessary for precision (and taste) in the kitchen.

Cooking has become a natural outlet and extension of my job. Making mistakes, sharing accomplishments and tasting the results is rewarding for both me and my patients (who often get to sample my after-hour masterpieces). By spending endless hours in the kitchen, I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it takes to create a fabulous dish and dessert.

As much as I love my pharmacy career, I would like to take my cooking hobby to another level. Catering to my patients in and out of the pharmacy. Ideally, I could take my dual skill-set and embark on a career behind both the counter and the apron! Join me on Facebook and let’s chat about cupcakes, drugs (legal, of course) and a cure for cancer.