MEXICO – Janet Touchette of Roxbury ordered two dozen pumpkin whoopie pies. Joey Smith of Mexico bought two raspberry turnovers and two chocolate whoopie pies. Both said they would return to the Black Bridge Bakery to try the meat pies and other entrees.

They and many others have been patronizing Kathy McKay’s business just a stone’s throw from the Swift River along Route 17. Last week she received her commercial license to sell entrees ranging from meat and chicken pot pies, to chowders, lasagna and other dishes, as well as yeast breads, pies, cookies, whoopie pies and muffins.

McKay is a self-taught cook and baker, who with her sister, Alice McKay Barnett, owned and operated the Opera House Restaurant in Dixfield for more than a dozen years in the 1980s and 1990s.

When she returned from Florida a few months ago, she decided to use her expertise with cooking and baking.

“It really feels good when things come out,” she said.

In addition to the baked goods and entrees, she also sells locally produced maple syrup, and soon will carry a line of crafts.

Most of the vegetables for entrees, and berries and fruits for desserts come from local farms, she said. Supporting local farmers is important, McKay said.

She carries a variety of baked goods each day, and will have some entrees on hand. However, she suggests that people looking for a supper dish call ahead to find out what she has.

“We use a lot of old-fashioned recipes, many from our aunt, Helen Mitchell,” McKay said.

She also takes special orders with a 24-hour notice at 364-7250.

Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

For the future, McKay plans to get into catering, with the help of her sister. Barnett also plans to use her artistic skills decorating cakes and other desserts.